Contact: John T. Althardt, (317) 221-2316

Health Department to Accept Old Tires to Help Control Mosquito Population

As part of its mosquito control program, the Marion County Health Department will accept old tires on Saturday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Mosquito Control headquarters, located at 4001 East 21st Street.

The health department will accept up to four passenger tires per Marion County resident. The tires must be removed from the rims. This program is for individuals only and not intended for commercial dealers.

All collected tires will be recycled.

In 2005, more than 7,000 tires were collected and recycled. A recent weekend neighborhood tire sweep collected more than 150 discarded tires.

Tires create what local health officials describe as a near perfect breeding environment for mosquitoes. The tires hold water, absorb heat and offer protection from predators and chemical treatments.

“Accepting these tires is good for our environment and is among steps the health department can take to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites,” said Chuck Dulla, administrator for mosquito control.

Anyone with questions about the tire drop off program can contact the Marion County Health Department at (317) 221-7440.