The Grand River Mosquito Control District approved a new abandoned-tire-disposal program designed to help property owners remove tires that can collect standing water and create ideal breeding places for mosquitoes.

The program provides financial assistance to eligible property owners for the proper recycling or disposal of abandoned tires located on qualifying residential, noncommercial and vacant or non-operational industrial properties within the district’s service boundaries. The program does not apply to commercial automotive facilities, active tire dealerships, agricultural operations or active industrial yards.

Under the program, the district will reimburse 75 percent of eligible recycling or disposal fees and provide a one-time $30 transportation reimbursement for up to nine tires per property, per calendar year. Properties with more than nine tires, or those requiring bulk tonnage disposal, may request an on-site inspection. If an active mosquito-larval-breeding infestation is documented, the district manager may approve a one-time funding extension for up to 25 standard-size tires on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible tires include passenger car, SUV, light truck and large heavy-equipment tires. Tires must be sufficiently free of excessive mud, water, vegetation, concrete and internal debris, so they can be safely handled and accurately counted or weighed by facility personnel.

Property owners seeking reimbursement must complete the district’s pre-approval application before disposing of the tires. For more information about the abandoned-tire-disposal program, eligibility requirements, and to download the appropriate forms, visit grmcd.org/tire-disposal-program.

For questions, contact the Grand River Mosquito Control District at 970-257-0191 or email officeadmin@grmcd.org.