A Stafford County sheriff's deputy last week found 50 radials heaped into a pile while on patrol along Musselman Road. A day later, a man said he found 50 more on his property on Commerce Parkway, the Sheriff's Office said. Deputies didn't say if the incidents were related.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will handle the clean-up of the tires on Musselman, deputies said. It's unclear who will pick up those discarded on Commerce Parkway.
Along with being an eye sore, thrown-away tires pose a serious problem when left out to the elements. They can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests. Animals may try to make a home in them, which can be dangerous for kids who try to climb on them. The steel belts could also cut anyone who tries to move them.
Tires are also highly combustible and do not biodegrade, which means they could leech toxins into the ground when it rains, recycling experts noted.
Contact a local recycling center or landfill if you would like to get rid of old tires. You can also call a nearby auto center to find out how they discard theirs. Contact police if you see someone illegally dumping tires.
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