Program Overview - Help for Municipal Officials

Old tires are a problem - what do you do with them? They are difficult to dispose. Piles of tires are ugly and can pose health, safety and fire hazards. Unwanted tires hold water which can breed mosquitoes that carry diseases like Zika and West Nile Viruses. Are waste tires a problem in your community?

The Independence Conservancy's Community Tire Collection Program offers a workable solution to this widespread problem.

Since 2001, our tire collections have taken in over 54,000 tires from residents of Beaver, Allegheny, Washington and Lawrence Counties. With the help of our volunteers and host municipalities, our tire round-ups have been safe, orderly and well received by the public.

Tire Collection Program Overview:

There is no fee to the hosting municipality. Program costs are covered by user fees for tire disposal.

Neighboring communities can work together to host a regional collection.

There is no limit to the number of tires anyone may bring. We do not require proof of residency. We encourage everyone to participate.

There are no quantity discounts. Fees are the same for everyone. Small businesses are welcome.

Tires are de-rimmed and sheared into several pieces. The pieces are disposed properly and the rims are recycled.

Click here to see the Tire Shearing process in action.

No rain dates. Collections are held rain or shine.

Independence Conservancy will provide:

Equipment: Tire shear/de-rimming machine, operating crew and liability insurance.

Labor: Volunteer labor to unload tires from residents' autos; collect the user fees and direct traffic. Additional helpers are always welcome.

Disposal arrangements: Shipping manifest for each municipal truck used to transport cut tires to Imperial Landfill in Findlay Township. And, for larger trucks, an exemption from PA DEP Waste Transportation Safety Program Act 90.

Disposal costs: Payment of tipping fees at Imperial Landfill. 

Cleanup: Removal of scrap rims for recycling. Tidying the collection site at the end of the event.

Publicity: Digital files for a postcard to mail to residents, full color posters, newsletter/website or press release template.

Host municipalities must provide:

Collection site: Ample space for a safe, orderly collection. Municipal garage areas work best. There should be at least two ways in and out of the collection area for optimum traffic flow. Many people bring trailers.

Hauling: Cooperation from the municipal road crew. At least one single axle dump truck with sideboards and tarp to haul the cut tire pieces to Imperial Landfill in Findlay Township.

Publicity: Widespread publicity of the event to local residents via your newsletter, newspaper briefs, radio, bulletin board, etc. A post card mailed to each homeowner has proven to get the best response.

Restrooms: Volunteer access to township facilities for restrooms, lunch and shelter from severe weather.

Food: Lunch and drinks for about 12 volunteers (convenient foods like pizza or hoagies).

Staff: A township employee or supervisor present from 8 AM to 1 PM on collection day in case the tire shear crew needs help with moving trucks or equipment at the collection site.