LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Initiative hosted by City of Laredo departments, intended to cut down on vector-borne diseases

 (Laredo, TX ) West Nile.  Dengue.   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 and Solid Waste Services Departments, as well as the City’s Keep Laredo Beautiful non-profit organization, are teaming up to host a day-long Tire Round-Up on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Laredo Energy Arena,  6700 Arena Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.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 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 must sign up before hand with Letty Benavides or Rose Tijerina at 794-1650, 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, in addition to the 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 Willie Bote, everyone’s favorite trashcan mascot and a major supporter of the project.  “I see tires everyday as I drive through 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 and other vectors to breed and that becomes a health risk.

 “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 and help clean-up today. See you there!” Mia concluded.

   Tires are always accepted at the City landfill; the first four are free to dump, with a charge thereafter.