Westmoreland tire recycling event meant to help control mosquito numbers
Recycling of old tires is more important than ever now that warm weather has arrived. The rubber rings could become filled with water and serve as a breeding area for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
That’s why the Westmoreland Conservation District, which monitors mosquitoes for West Nile Virus infection, is co-sponsoring a tire recycling event June 13 at the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center in Unity.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to noon at 355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road, where the center recently moved from a previous location along Route 30.
Westmoreland County residents will receive a $1 discount on the recycling fee for tires from passenger cars or light trucks. Normal fees are $3 for a tire off the rim, $4 with the rim.
The discount doesn’t apply for businesses. Higher fees are charged for larger tires from tractor-trailers, farm tractors or heavy equipment.
Cash or checks will be accepted.
Visit westmorelandcleanways.org for more information about the center and its recycling fee schedule.
Andrea M. Halfhill, the Conservation District’s West Nile Virus Program technician, notes a single abandoned tire can collect enough stagnant water to promote breeding of hundreds of mosquitoes. Piles of old tires also may catch on fire, creating an environmental hazard.
For more information, contact Halfhill at andrea@wcdpa.com.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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