Old tires still a problem

Missouri's 50-cent-per-tire waste fee expired Dec. 31 Since 1990, the $2 million a year generated by the fee was used by the state to clean up unsightly tire dumps. Without the revenue from the fee that is collected for each new tire purchased, state officials say they have no resources to remove 3 million tires that remain in 100 dumps statewide.

The legislature considered two bills last year to extend the fee, but the bills got bogged down with so many unrelated amendments that neither bill passed.

The Department of Natural Resources is launching a campaign for the current legislative session that started last week to reinstate the program that enforced state laws on tire disposal, cleaned up illegal tire piles and provided incentives for schools and communities to use shredded tires for playground surfaces.

State Rep. Peter Meyers of Sikeston has introduced a bill that would extend the fee through 2009 and would require DNR to give contract preference to Missouri businesses that help with recycling.

The illegal dumps are not only unsightly and dangerous, but they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes that could carry West Nile virus and other diseases. Every tire creates an environment that can produce up to 1 million mosquitoes.

And when piles of old tires catch on fire, they can smolder for months, releasing a thick, noxious smoke. Dumped tires also can contaminate ground water with chemicals and oil.

Before the fee was implemented in 1990, DNR says the state had a huge problem with proper tire disposal. The numbers indicate the fee has worked. DNR estimates it has removed about 12 million tires from illegal waste dumps in Missouri using revenue from the tire fee.

With large tire dumps remaining, revenue collected from the fee will run out in six months. The fund also paid for $1.3 million in grants to help schools buy recycled rubber playground surfaces. This program will be eliminated unless the fee is renewed.