BLOOMINGTON — Monroe County residents looking to dispose of old tires safely and legally will have the opportunity to do so for free next month. The Monroe County Waste Reduction District has announced another Tire Amnesty Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.
The event aims to curb illegal tire dumping across the county, which state and local officials report has seen a significant increase in recent years.
Event Details and Guidelines
The drop-off event is strictly for Monroe County residents. Commercial haulers, businesses, churches, schools, and landlords are prohibited from participating.
- Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W. Airport Rd., Bloomington, IN.
- Entrance: All vehicles must enter through Gate 1.
- Limit: A maximum of eight (8) accepted tires will be allowed per vehicle per trip.
| Accepted Tires | Not Accepted Tires |
| Passenger car tires (on or off rim) | Filled tires |
| Light truck tires | Off-road tires |
| Motorcycle tires | Large truck tires |
| Bicycle tires | Farm or heavy equipment tires |
| Lawn mower tires | Mobile home tires |
| Go-kart tires | Tires caked with mud or debris |
Addressing a Growing Pollution Problem
Made possible through a grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the event directly targets a surge in illegally discarded tires found along local roadsides, streams, and wetlands.
Environmental Compliance Investigator Mary Beth King highlighted the dramatic rise in waste tire volumes. During the District’s entire 2025 grant cycle, crews collected 49.5 tons of tires. However, the volume calculated from last May’s single drop-off collection alone nearly doubled that full-year figure.
Environmental Compliance Inspector and Landfill Assistant
“The District has seen an increase in the number of waste tires dumped on roadsides within Monroe County,” King said. “This could be a result of increased code enforcement of solid waste code violations… or simply a matter of people being less able to afford proper disposal of waste tires. We recognize that tire disposal can be financially burdensome to many.”
District officials warn that improperly dumped tires trap water, creating breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, while also causing long-term soil and water pollution.
Community Impact and Support
Waste Reduction District Executive Director Tom McGlasson Jr. emphasized that the amnesty day provides an accessible solution for households that may have accumulated waste tires over time.
“We are here to serve Monroe County residents,” McGlasson said. “Offering this event is a way for people who have tires, some who may be stockpiling tires, to dispose of them without hurting the environment.”
Community Outreach Coordinator Elisa Pokral noted that while the district accepts tires year-round at its South Walnut Recycling Center for a minimal fee, Tire Amnesty Day removes the cost barrier completely.
“If you see a tire illegally disposed of, please bring it to the Waste Reduction District,” Pokral urged. “Illegal dumping costs taxpayers money, pollutes the air, water, and soil contributing to a host of health and safety problems, and cleanups can take years. Let’s do our part and get those tires in the right place.”
For questions regarding accepted items or event logistics, residents can contact the Waste Reduction District at 812-349-2020 or 812–349-2848.
