LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

 (Laredo, TX  Sept. 20, 2010)  The City of Laredo now has 10,000-plus less tires dumped in empty lots, in the river or creek beds, or along streets and highways, thanks to a major tire collection held yesterday and sponsored by the City of Laredo, in partnership with the United. I.S.D., that paid citizens up to $1.00 for every discarded tire that was turned in.

 “This was such an amazing effort by everyone involved to 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 thank the non-profit organizations, such as the Leon Daiches Elementary School 4^th and 5^th grade classes, who used this tire round-up event as a fundraiser.  They not only helped clean up Laredo, they also helped their organization, as well.”

 A total of 10,543 regular sized tires were collected, surpassing the goal City of Laredo staff had set for themselves of 10,000.  Yesterday alone brought in 8,059 tires; non-profits turned in their tires on Friday and Saturday, yielding 1,464 tires. Additionally, 1,020 tires were also collected on Sunday, September 12.  Finally, 33 tractor trailer tires were turned in as well, even though City staff was not paying for those tires.  Only the first 20 tires were paid; the remaining were gladly accepted with a smile.  Non-profits were able to use the collection event as a fundraiser and brought in as many regular-sized tires as they could collect. 

 A total of $7,634 was paid to local citizens either the day of the event or with vouchers, completely depleting the funds set aside for the project, which came from a $3,409 Environmental Protection Agency CARE grant; a $2,000 Border 2010 Waste Reduction and Vector Control grant; and $5,134 paid by the Environmental Services Department Stormwater Fund.  Since so many individuals arrived after the money was distributed, to reward these citizens who demonstrated such care for the welfare of their community, they were given vouchers which were redeemed today at the City’s Environmental Services department.

 Five non-profit organizations participated in the collection event as a fundraiser, including Daiches Elementary; United South High School El Cielo 4H Club; Girl Scouts Troop #9126 of South Texas; LULAC Council #12; San Judas Tadeo Church; and Pentecostal of Laredo non-profits were paid $2,909. A total of $10,543 was paid to help clean-up Laredo.

 West Nile, dengue, unsightly brown field dumping sites, overpowering odors and sometimes even, degradation of the river’s water quality are just a few of the potential health hazards that a community faces when tires are improperly discarded.  Organizers hope to host another tire round-up event that will pay citizens for cleaning up the city in the future

 City of Laredo departments leading the charge on this project included Environmental Services, Health, and the Solid Waste Department, with the Laredo Police Department assisting, as well. 

 “We thank all Laredoans who participated in yesterday’s 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.    

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