Over 1,700 scrap tires collected across city-wide tire disposal days

SAULT STE. MARIE ⁠— The City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation hosted their second city-wide tire disposal day this past Saturday, October 17, 2020. Part two of a twofold community cleanup project, the event was funded through a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) grant that was obtained by the EDC earlier in the year.

The event took place at the City Composting Facility at 1244 East Easterday Avenue and was once again overseen by the Sault Ste. Marie Department of Public Works. In compliance with grant guidelines, this opportunity was available to all non-commercial residents who live within Sault Ste. Marie city limits.

In total, 890 car tires, 4 semi tires, 8 mudder tires, 2 playground tires, and 32 additional/non-categorized tires were collected, making a grand total of 936 tires. Paired with the 837 tires collected during the August event, the EDC happily reports that 1,773 total tires were collected for recycling.

These tires will be repurposed in many ways, including asphalt for roads, mulch for gardens, components of synthetic turf fields, running tracks, flooring, and even welcome mats (read more at
www.recycledrubberfacts.org​). With Michigan’s statewide ban on the disposal of whole tires in landfills, programs such as this city-wide tire disposal day are imperative to the health of our communities. More than eyesores, improperly disposed of scrap tires pose risks as mosquito breeding grounds and fire hazards.

“We had an incredible turnout for both the August event and now October,” said Eric Fountain, Superintendent of the city’s Street Department. “The grant covered the cost of both transportation and recycling for two semitruck loads of tires. This most recent collection actually exceeded the limit and has left us with seed for future recycling efforts.”

For more information on future community opportunities, follow the Sault EDC on Facebook @SSMEDC or visit their website at SaultEDC.com. The EDC is a non-profit organization that fosters economic growth in the community through its dedication to helping entrepreneurs establish and expand their businesses. For more information on the EDC, their projects, programs, and partnerships, visit their website at saultedc.com.