Annual tire disposal day is one of many environmental services in Rowan County supported by grant money. Officials recently shared updates on initiatives that are improving recycling and disposal efforts in the community.
Tyler Brown is the Rowan County Environmental Services Coordinator. He said the money makes it possible to turn local recycling into products that give back to the community.
“Crumb rubber, that’s a new grant we applied for here. That’s from derived tire material. We applied and got like $15,000 worth to be able to get benches and picnic tables to set out at the park. So, it’s made out of recycled tires,” said Brown.
The recycling center received an additional $36,000 for new equipment like conveyor belts and hoppers. Brown said the money will be key to improving operations.
“The equipment is so costly. Without the recycling grant there’s no way we’d be able to afford the equipment we do have down there,” said Brown.
$4,000 is provided to the county every year to help with safe disposal of waste tires. Unlike other counties, Rowan County uses the money to host a tire disposal day event. Brown said it also helps pay workers to pick up and transport waste tires throughout the area.
Brown said the event, along with Household Hazardous Material Disposal Day, may be later in the fall this year to increase turnout and effectiveness.