Tyre Amnesty

A TYRE amnesty is being held in Carmarthenshire.  Residents can get rid of up to 10 unwanted tyres free of charge at collection points in  Llanelli, Ammanford, St Clears and Llandeilo.

At present, tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK.

It is hoped the amnesty will encourage householders to dispose of their waste responsibly and discourage fly-tipping which is not only a blight on the landscape, but costs local authorities millions of pounds every year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment.

The amnesty is being run by Tidy Towns, a Welsh Assembly Government-funded initiative which is delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy.  A staggering 5,376 tyres were collected in an amnesty held in April last year.

Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake said: “Around 450,000 tonnes of used tyres are produced in the UK every year that have to be reused or disposed of somehow and it is estimated that local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3 million every year in investigating and clearing illegally dumped tyres.

“Hopefully the amnesty will encourage people to do the right thing and dispose of their waste in a responsible manner.”

Residents must provide ID with proof of their residency in Carmarthenshire. Commercial, agricultural or trade vehicle tyres will not be accepted.  Householders are also reminded that tyres left outside of the times below is classed as fly-tipping and they could be fined up to £50,000 or even get a prison sentence!

For further information on the tyre amnesty contact Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake on 01554 742159.

Tyres can be disposed of between 11am and 6pm:

• Wednesday, February 9: Tesco car park, Parc Trostre, Llanelli
• Thursday, February 17: Baltic car park (Jobcentre), Ammanford
• Tuesday, February 22: Main car park, St Clears
• Thursday, February 24: – H Holmes & Sons Funfairs car park (next to Llandeilo Bridge Mart), Llandeilo