The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality says a turnpike maintenance facility in Stroud will be a drop-off site for used tires, old pharmaceuticals and scrap metal on June 9th.
The DEQ and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office are co-sponsoring the day of disposal.
“Proper disposal is necessary because tire dumps and scrap metal piles may create fire hazards and often become breeding grounds for vermin and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases,” said Sheriff Charlie Dougherty.
“Outdated and unused pharmaceuticals also cause various health and safety issues by polluting lakes, rivers and streams, many of which are drinking water sources.”
The unused drugs will be collected by the sheriff’s department and taken to an approved site for proper disposal. RTR Environmental will take care of the old tires. The DEQ pointed out that tire recycling can repurpose millions of pounds of old rubber into new life as playground surface or new roadway pavement.
It’s estimated Oklahomans throw away one tire a year per person.
The collection on June 9 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Stroud Maintenance center at 123 Turnpike Road.