Pope County officials warn of changes, potential dumping as Act 169 ends county tire drop‑off

Pope County officials used meeting time to brief the court on the local effects of Act 169, a state legislative change that will privatize waste tire collection starting July 1.

The presiding justice said the county will no longer accept tires at the county shop after July 1 and described a transition that removes the $3 per‑tire county fee. Officials said retailers and processors will set their own charges; participants in the discussion mentioned expected retail fees in the neighborhood of $14–$15 per tire. The presiding justice said, "July 1st, we the county are out of the tire business."

Court members and staff described how tires are processed today: some are shredded into mulch for playgrounds, some are granulated into tire‑derived fuel used in furnaces, steel belts are recovered and sold, and very large tires may be quartered for landfill disposal. Green Source, a regional processor discussed in the meeting, was cited as a likely processor that will charge per‑tire fees going forward.

Several members expressed concern about enforcement and environmental consequences. One participant warned the change could lead to more illegal dumping and roadside tire piles if consumers face higher per‑tire costs. County officials noted the changes stem from the recent legislative session and encouraged residents to review Act 169 for details.

The meeting also included several community announcements: the law library remodel bids will open June 25 with construction expected to start late summer; the senior center operator will transition from Friendship Community Care to the Area Agency on Aging on July 1, requiring a short closure for staff transition; and the county reported selling a 3/4‑acre parcel for $3,300 with proceeds deposited into the general fund.

What happens next: Act 169’s changes take effect July 1 locally; county staff and residents will need to use private processors or retailers for tire disposal, and officials said they will monitor local impacts and potential illegal dumping.