Residents are being urged to take along any old tyres they may have to a number of collection points in Carmarthenshire throughout February.

 

A tyre amnesty is being held, organised by Tidy Towns, to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and help combat fly-tipping. Residents can get rid of up to 10 unwanted tyres free of charge at collection points in

Newcastle Emlyn, Whitland, Carmarthen, Cross Hands, Ammanford and Llanelli.

 

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

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. This is the third tyre amnesty organised by Tidy Towns, a Welsh Government-funded initiative delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy.

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.

Executive Board Member for Regeneration Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The previous tyre amnesties we have held have been very successful with almost 10,000 tyres collected in the past two years, which is a staggering number. This means there are fewer tyres out there which could potentially end up dumped in our towns and villages, spoiling our beautiful countryside and sandy beaches.