Why Does it Matter?
Our salute to the Month of May continues in this edition of 365 Every Day Counts as we look at the proper way to handle unwanted automotive materials—this time we’re considering scrap tires and old automotive batteries. Both seem innocuous enough, but when handled improperly, they can create significant threats to human and environmental health.Auto tires that are improperly discarded along a road or are stored outside can quickly become prime breeding ground for mosquitoes—generating literally hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes over time. Warm, stagnant water that collects in the tires is ideal for female mosquitoes looking to lay their eggs. The news gets worse when you learn that the types of mosquitoes that generally hatch and develop in scrap tires are those species most apt to carry diseases such as West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.Unwanted auto batteries that contain sulfuric acid and lead can also present challenges to human health and the environment. Proper recycling and disposal of scrap tires and unwanted batteries is vital—and, it’s easier than you might think. Keep reading for easy, local solutions!
What Should You Do?
Prevention is best… So, when you purchase a new set of tires or replace that worn out battery, instead of deciding to hold on to the old tires or that dead battery, simply recycle them at the store where you purchased the new items. Businesses selling new auto tires and batteries will often accept the old ones for recycling. Many of those same retailers and some auto service centers will accept used tires and auto batteries for recycling, even if you didn’t buy from them. Fees and limits may apply, so call ahead for details. Some local options include Big O Tires, Brownsburg Muffler and Service, Indy Tire and Myer’s Garage.
Dig Deeper.
Learn more about eliminating mosquito breeding habitats at your property by visiting www.mosquitoes.org/backyard. There are many small steps you can take to reduce your family’s exposure. Great information about auto battery recycling is available at www.ecolife.com/recycling/auto. You can always download a copy of the District’s Guide to Being Green by visiting our website or call our office at 858-6070 to request a hard copy. The Guide is full of great, local resources for recycling and disposal options for everything from packing peanuts to Christmas trees to transmission fluid!
