ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Bernalillo County has been awarded a $9,375 New Mexico Clean and Beautiful grant to continue its Scrap Tire Amnesty Days program and help address the growing problem of illegal tire dumping.
The grant, administered through the New Mexico Tourism Department, will support tire collection events aimed at giving residents a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted tires.
County officials say improperly discarded tires have become an increasing problem in neighborhoods, public rights-of-way, private property, and rural open spaces. Illegal dumping sites can create environmental and public health concerns by attracting mosquitoes and rodents, contaminating water sources, and increasing fire risks.
Through Scrap Tire Amnesty Days events, Bernalillo County residents can dispose of up to nine passenger vehicle or light truck tires per vehicle at no charge.
County leaders say the program has helped divert thousands of tires from illegal dumping sites. Over the past three years, Bernalillo County has partnered with the City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Department to host 75 Tire Amnesty Days events, collecting 26,605 tires, or roughly 416 tons of material, for proper recycling and disposal.
Officials say the program is intended to reduce blight, protect natural resources, improve public health, and support broader environmental goals.
Bernalillo County’s Scrap Tire Ordinance establishes rules for the handling, transport, and disposal of used tires and is designed to discourage illegal dumping throughout the county.
