BLUE RIDGE, GA – The Scrap Tire Removal Program is extending its drop off of scrap tires through the month of November.

Chief Land Development Officer Marie Woody announced in September that the county had received a scrap tire grant.

Woody had been working since earlier this year to secure this allocation. The grant, issued by the State of Georgia, will fund the financial costs associated with removing scrap tires from Fannin County.

Originally the drop off of scrap tires was scheduled for the month of October, but Woody consulted with Fannin County Commissioners at the October 24, 2017, meeting, and it was decided to continue this program through the month of November.

Woody stated, “We have collected 1,736 scrap tires to this point. The funds are there to extend this program.”

Post 2 Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee brought up the possibility of dropping off large truck tires and tractor tires, which were previously prohibited. Sosebee stated that he had received many calls asking if these tires would eventually be allowed at the drop-offs.

It was decided to allow larger tires to be disposed of in this program.

The Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the program through the month of November, and increased the limit of tires allowed for drop off from 10 per week to 20 per week.

Woody released the following statement regarding the Scrap Tire Removal and Grant:

We would like to encourage Fannin County residents to take advantage of this grant and dispose of their unwanted tires. This would help eliminate mosquito habitats as well as provide an opportunity to clean up the surrounding area. Since tires are not biodegradable for many, many years this will be a good opportunity for us to do something for future generations.

The tire disposal offer is being extended to county residents only. We will not collect tires from dealers, service stations, tire centers or retail businesses. The only requirements will be to complete a brief information sheet, listing the number of tires and the location where the tires originated, with name, telephone number and address.

Funding for the grant was made possible by the citizens of Georgia, citizens like you and me. We are still required to pay the $3.00 disposal fee when tires are purchased, so don’t think that if you take your tires home from the tire dealer that you don’t have to pay this service. Legislation was passed in the 1990’s that enable tire dealers to charge a fee for tire disposal at the time new tires are purchased.

It is wonderful to see this grant awarded to Fannin County. We would like to thank the Fannin County Road Department for their assistance in collecting abandoned tires along county roads. This task is essential in our efforts to keep our roadways safe and clean.

Tires may be dropped off to the Road Department, located at 229 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, Ga 30513.

If you have any questions, please call Marie Woody at 706-258-5170.

 

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