City of Laredo To Pay Citizens for Tire Round-Up
Written by Post Public Information Representative, May 10, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Initiative hosted by City of Laredo Environmental Services and Health Departments, in cooperation with United I.S.D., intended to cut down on vector-borne diseases
(Laredo, TX) Dengue, other potential health hazards Unsightly brown field dumping sites. Overpowering odors. Sometimes even, degradation of the river’s water quality.
These are just a few of the potential health hazards that the city of Laredo faces when old tires are dumped in empty lots, in the river or creek beds, or along streets and highways, instead of being properly disposed. In an effort to help clean up Laredo, as well as to motivate citizens to help keep Laredo beautiful, clean and safe, the City of Laredo Environmental Services, Health, Solid Waste Departments are teaming up with United I.S.D. to host a day-long Tire Round-Up on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the UISD Student Activities Center, 5802 Santa Claudia Lane from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m., where citizens will be paid up to $20 for bringing in those discarded tires.
“This is a great way for the community to help clean up their city, while getting a little green back in their pockets,” says Riazul Mia, director of the Environmental Services Department who is organizing this project.
Citizens with a proper Texas Driver’s License or ID will be paid $1.00 per rimless domestic passenger vehicle tires, limit 20 tires per household. However, non-profit organizations can use this event as a fundraiser and could be paid for as many regular-sized tires as they can bring. All non-profits need to sign up before the day of the event with Ivan Santoyo at 794-1650 to receive special instructions, and they need to bring proof of non-profit status on the day of the event. City of Laredo residents must bring proof residency in the form of a utility bill and I.D. No large commercial or tractor tires will be accepted.
“This is such an amazing effort by everyone involved to help clean-up Laredo and get the tires off of our beautiful streets of Laredo,” said District I Council Member Mike Garza, a major supporter of the project. “I see tires everyday as I drive through South Laredo, so I know what an impact this will make to our environment. I especially want to invite all non-profit organizations, including elementary school grades or organizations, who use this tire round-up event as a fundraiser. They will not only help clean up Laredo, they also will help their organization, as well.”
Organizers are quick to point out that the money will be paid while it lasts, so get there early with the collected tires and make some money while helping to clean up Laredo. According to Mia, if the money runs out, organizers will still be accepting tires and people will “be getting a big smile with a thank you for caring enough to help make a difference” and “maybe a ‘Don’t Mess With Texas’ sticker.”
Too many tires have been illegally dumped, creating a health hazard for vector-borne diseases from mosquitoes. According to the City of Laredo Health Department, there have not been any cases of Dengue or West Nile Virus infections since Laredoans have done a great job in getting rid of trash and stagnant water and keeping lawns clean; however, there has been an increase of tires thrown in public right aways, vacant lots, parking lots and other areas. This creates an opportunity for mosquito breeding and other vectors that contribute to various health hazards. For more information on health risks or to report illegal dumping of tires, call Sam Gonzalez at 795-4935 or Yvette Mendoza at 712-6015, both at the City of Laredo Health Department.
“We want to encourage all Laredoans to participate in the tire round-up, but urge the public to continue to clean their homes, businesses, and get rid of all standing water and trash,” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, director of the City of Laredo’s Health Department.
Join the City of Laredo’s Green Team, and help keep Laredo beautiful, clean and safe. Sign up today by calling the department before to help make a difference in Laredo.
“Do your part and protect yourself, your family, and your community. Help clean-up today, and especially, on the 19th. See you there!” Mia concluded.
Tires are always accepted at the City landfill; the first four are free to dump, with a charge thereafter.
Dist. I Council Member Mike Garza is joined by everyone’s favorite environmentally-friendly trashcan mascot, Willie Bote, and the newest environmental hero to join the City’s ranks of Laredo’s natural resources defenders, Inspector McCloud, to discuss the Tire Round-Up Collection Event, taking place on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 8 AM – 4 PM at the U.I.S.D. S.A.C. Residents will be paid up to $20 for rimless passenger tires collected; utility bill and TX Driver’s License/ID required. For more information, call 794-1650.
