The Dalton Police Department’s code enforcement officers spent their day Tuesday collecting and disposing of more than 150 illegally dumped tires at various sites around Dalton.
Some Dalton residents may not realize that the city’s trash collection does not pick up tires. Tires are one of the exceptions to collection listed in city code 94-29 (c). Residents must dispose of tires by other means such as recycling them at a recycling center or tire dealer. There is typically a small fee associated with recycling tires.
The Whitfield County landfill typically charges a $2 per tire fee for recycling tires.
"Illegally disposed tires are more than just an eyesore for Dalton residents. They’re also a potentially public health risk. Stagnant rainwater can collect inside dumped tires and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can carry and spread various diseases. Disease carrying rodents can also live inside tire piles," officials said.
While patrolling Dalton in recent weeks, code enforcement officers have noted several illegal dump sites for tires. Officers Chris Cochran and Grant Mantooth drove to several of those sites Tuesday and collected 151 tires using the department’s pickup truck and a trailer. The county landfill agreed to take the tires at no charge to the city. The tires were collected from 23 sites including dump sites along Hamilton Street, MLK Jr. Blvd., Riverbend Dr., and Northview Dr. There are still illegal tire dumps around town.
Dumping tires is prohibited by Dalton code 94-208 and is punishable under code 94-209 by a fine between $200 and $1,000. The department’s code enforcement officers will be investigating future instances of illegal tire dumping. Anyone with tires to dispose of should contact a recycling center, a tire dealer, or the county landfill to make arrangements.
Anyone with complaints or tips about code enforcement issues within Dalton can contact the DPD’s code officers by filling out the form at
www.safedalton.com.