Heights City Cleanup Day 5/14; Residents Encouraged To Turn In Unused Tires To Stop Disease, Avoid Fines

Andrew Trzaska | May 9, 2011

As a part of the city’s annual May cleanup efforts, city residents of Muskegon Heights will be able to dispose of unused tires during the coming two weekends in order to avoid large fines.

On both Saturday May 14 and May 21 from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., city residents who have old or unused rubber tires of any size are asked to bring them to the Muskegon Heights Department of Public Works building for disposal.

The cost to dispose of a tire with the city is $3, which covers the cost disposal and labor for moving the tires.

The $3 disposal is only open to city residents; proof of residency is required to dispose of tires with the DPW at this rate.

City staff indicated that the $3 rate per tire is a significant savings over possible fines that may develop by abandoning old tires in the city.

Tickets for unauthorized dumping can cost $500.

The City Council approved an agreement at Monday’s full council meeting with the State of Michigan and Huffman Rubber, Inc. to dispose of the tires at a special rate with the assistance of the state.

City Manager Natasha Henderson said it will save the city money.

“We incur much of the cost now [for disposal]. This will help us defray some of the cost.”

The city’s tire collection push comes as hot summer months approach.

That heat combined with the standing water than can collect in tires creates situations where disease-carrying mosquitoes can breed.

Mayor Darrell Paige said that dumping tires and other trash improperly will not be tolerated by the city:

“We are very serious about it and we will enforce it.”

These tire collection days are not the only initiative the city of Muskegon Heights has this month to clean up the city:
This Saturday, May 14 starting at 9 a.m. at Rowan Park, the City of Muskegon will have its annual volunteer cleanup day to help beautify the city.
“We hope to make an impact in that area,” said city manager Natasha Henderson.

A continental breakfast will be served for those helping with the cleanup.  All volunteers, residents or not, are encouraged to participate in the effort.

Leaf bags and half-price stickers can be bought this month only at the Treasurer’s office at Muskegon Heights City Hall during business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer: 231-739-3378 or 231-733-8834.