Burning rubber on the racetrack may be fun in the summer, but when they're abandoned, worn out tires put Hoosiers' health and safety at risk. Besides their unsightliness, waste tires attract pests, and in large numbers, they pose a fire hazard.

"When tires are stockpiled or illegally dumped, they become fire hazards and trap rainwater, becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents," said Bruce Palin, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Assistant Commissioner of Office of Land Quality. "It's simple to prevent the problem by turning in your old tires when you purchase new ones or at special collections held in your local community."

Instead of keeping old tires, the tires should be disposed of or recycled to limit their environmental impact. A statewide program allows consumers to turn in their old tires when they purchase new ones. There are 23 processing sites as well as 50 tire transporting companies; the contact information for the companies can be found online at IDEM's Web site. Many local Solid Waste Management Districts hold special collections for residents who have a spare set of tires they no longer need.

There are also environmentally-friendly ways unwanted tires can be reused. Tire-derived fuels can be developed to create supplemental energy, tires can be constructed for recreational field use to create athletic fields, and retread tires can reduce the amount of crude oil used to create a tire.

Additional information on how to properly dispose of used tires can be found at www.recycle.IN.gov/5722.htm or by calling IDEM's Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance at (800) 988-7901.

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids business and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

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