Lee County is hosting its annual tire amnesty day. The goal is to clear neighborhoods of discarded tires. Standing water in tires fuels mosquito population growth.
Lee County Solid Waste, in collaboration with the Lee County Mosquito Control District and Rotary Club of Fort Myers East, will host the annual tire amnesty day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17th.
Lee County residents can dispose of up to eight standard car tires, including those with rims, at no cost by dropping them off at the Lee County Mosquito Control District, 15191 Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971.
Last year, the event collected more than 340 tires, totaling 4.25 tons. Discarded tires create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that can spread diseases such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and even dog heartworm. When rainwater collects inside a tire, it rarely drains, forming a hidden reservoir where the Aedes aegypti mosquito thrives. This stagnant water creates the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to develop and emerge as biting adults that pose a risk to both people and animals.
Only on-road vehicle tires will be accepted at this event.
For information about how to dispose of off-road, larger tires, call Lee County Solid Waste customer service at 239-533-8000. Residents who are unable to attend Tire Amnesty Day may place up to two standard car tires, including those with rims, at the curb on their regular waste collection day for pickup. This service is available year-round. For details on proper disposal of tires and other materials, visit www.leegov.com/solidwaste