A new year-round tire recycling program is coming to Van Buren County.
The Van Buren Conservation District’s Kalli Marshall tells us the organization has received a $148,000 Michigan Department of Environment, Great lakes, and Energy Scrap Tire Grant, enabling it to expand previous tire collection efforts.
“Historically, we’ve held this grant for six counties,” Marshall said. “This is the first year we’re going to pilot a new program to offer year-round drop-off at three locations in Van Buren County.”
Previously, the Van Buren Conservation District would hold tire collection events, but now they’ll have three drop-off sites open all year. They’re the transfer stations in Columbia Township, Covert Township, and Decatur, although that last one is currently receiving some improvements and is closed temporarily.
Marshall says anyone can drop off up to ten passenger tires per day.
“They can drive on site. There will be a QR code. We’re asking folks to help us out with just a short survey so that we know how we’re reaching folks and how they’re finding out about the program. You get there, you throw your tires in the designated area, and then you’re free to go.”
Marshall says it’s surprising how many discarded tires are found around Van Buren County each year. Last year, the conservation district collected more than 16,000.
You can find out more about the tire recycling program at the website of the Van Buren Conservation District.
