Westmoreland Cleanways offers discount during encore tire recycling effort

Residents will have a second chance this year to unload their scrap tires at a discount at Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling near Pleasant Unity.

Following up on an effort in April, the recycling center at 355 Pleasant Unity Mutual Road is partnering once more with the Westmoreland Conservation District for an encore tire recycling event, from 8:30 a.m. until noon July 9.

Tires of all types will be eligible for a $1 discount from the regular recycling fees. Business and Cleanways member discounts don’t apply during the event.

Regular disposal costs for off-rim tires include $4 for passenger and light truck tires and $15 for tractor-trailer tires. Respective regular costs for tires on the rim are $5 and $18.

The two organizations have joined forces for the tire events in an effort to help curb the spread of West Nile virus. Scrap tires that aren’t properly disposed of can collect rainwater and serve as a breeding area for insects that can carry the virus and other diseases.

About 800 tires were collected during a 2021 collaborative recycling event, but only half that number were recycled on the April date, according to Natalie Reese, program director for Westmoreland Cleanways. “The weather was really bad that day,” she said.

Groups who want to collect illegally dumped tires for the July recycling event can receive a full waiver of the disposal fee if they contact Westmoreland Cleanways at 724-879-4020 before Tuesday.

Volunteers are needed to help with the tire drop-off. They should be 18 or older and be able to lift between 25 and 50 pounds. They can register and get more details by emailing chrissy@wcdpa.com by Tuesday.