C.L.E.A.N. Scrap Tire Collection Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Wayne County, Michigan developed and implemented the C.L.E.A.N. (County Lending Environmental Assistance to Neighborhoods) Scrap Tire Collection Program in 2009 to address the growing problem of illegally dumped tire piles in its urban communities. In an effort to eliminate as many scrap tires from the waste stream as possible, collection events were scheduled for 12 geographically diverse communities for residents to dispose of scrap tires at no cost. Wayne County paid for the hauling and processing of the collected tires while each local community provided a drop-off location, staffing on the day of the event, and promotional efforts to their residents. The program provided a service to residents that was not required by law yet addressed a specific need. Cost savings were realized by both residents and local government sponsors through the sharing of services. A total of 3,803 scrap tires were collected in 2009 by the program, saving residents more than $13,000 in out-of-pocket disposal costs. The program decreased the supply of scrap to rogue operators who may have illegally dumped them. Consistent with the “green and clean’ mission of the C.L.E.A.N. program, the collected tires were processed and shredded to be reused as an alternate fuel source at a local power plant and also for landscaping materials. Feedback from residents and local community partners was very positive, with eight communities requesting a repeat event and a wait list to host additional events in 2010.