Carroll County residents will have an opportunity to dispose of scrap tires free of charge during a drop-off day event this year, supported by state funds.

“The State of Maryland has offered Carroll County residents the opportunity to have a day to dispose of their scrap tires,” Maria Myers, recycling manager for the county, told commissioners earlier this month. “They’re going to provide reimbursement of $16,500 to pay for disposal and transportation of the tires with $1,000 advertising budget.”

Residents can deliver a maximum of 10 scrap tires per vehicle with one trip per address.

“This helps provide residents with a way to dispose of accumulated tires free of charge,” Myers said.

Commercial haulers and other non-residential generators of scrap tires such as farms will not be permitted.

Myers said during the past four tire collection events, when agricultural tires were accepted, the county collected about 46,000 tires, totaling almost 1,400 tons.

“This one is just for the residents so the tires should be around 33 inches. They shouldn’t be large tires,” she said.

Commissioner Richard Weaver, a District 2 Republican, asked if $16,500 would be enough to cover the amount of anticipated tires to be dropped off.

“There is a possibility it could go over,” said Jeff Castonguay, director of public works. “There may be [more state] funds if we go over but there may not be … It can come out of our operating budget.”

Myers estimated the county could take up to 5,000 tires through this program.

“I’d like to take as many as I can and use all the money the [state] gave us,” she said.

Tires are typically accepted at the Northern Landfill on rim and off rim. Per state regulations, residents can bring up to five tires per year. Normally there is a fee of $2.50 to drop off tires off the rim and a $3.50 fee for tires on the rim.

According to Cliff Engle, bureau chief of solid waste, it costs about $160 a ton to dispose of tires.

“Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the tire recycling program option from retailers,” he said.

More details on the date and location of the event will be announced soon. Carroll County recently published a guide to recycling for residents. It can be accessed at https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/media/14944/guide-to-waste-management-and-recycling-apr-2022.pdf.