Greenville, Ohio – The Darke County Solid Waste District is pleased to announce the success of its annual Tire Recycling Day, held on September 17, 2025. More than 46 tons of unwanted tires were collected from Darke County residents. Each household was permitted to recycle up to 10 tires, in accordance with Ohio transportation law.
Discarded tires are more than just an eyesore in ditches, fields, and wooded areas—they also pose a public health risk. Old tires provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can carry serious diseases such as West Nile Virus, La Crosse Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Dengue, and Yellow Fever.
What Happens to the Tires?
- All tires collected in Darke County were transported to Rumpke’s Tire Facility in New Miami, Ohio. On peak days, the facility processes between 35 and 65 tons of tires. The recycling process includes:
- Initial shredding: Tires are rough-cut into pieces approximately 8–10 inches wide by 24 inches long.
- Secondary shredding: Tires are cut into smaller pieces. Any piece under four inches is separated, while larger pieces are recirculated for further cutting.
- Reuse: The resulting tire material is currently being used in landfill construction projects, giving new purpose to the recycled material.
Community Partnership
Executing a recycling event of this scale is a significant undertaking for the Darke County Solid Waste District, which operates with a staff of just two. The District extends its gratitude to the many community partners and volunteers who made the event possible, including:
- Darke County Municipal Judge Julie Monnin and Community Service Coordinator Trevor Collins
- James Surber, Darke County Engineer
- Max Guillozet, Darke County Highway Garage Superintendent
- Darke County Commissioners Matt Aultman, Marshall Combs, and Aaron Flatter
- On-site volunteers and staff: Jordan Combs (Darke County Ditch Maintenance), Noel Moomey (Rumpke Region Vice President), Michelle Paul (Rumpke Operations Manager), Billl Garman (Rumpke Weldshop/Maintenance supervisor), Dustin Yingst (Rumpke Sales Manager), Marlene Dirksen, Melissa Werling(Darke Co. Solid Waste), and the Darke County Municipal Court Community Service Program workers
“We are grateful for the continued support from our partners and volunteers,” said Krista Fourman Unger, Darke County Solid Waste District Director. “Without their commitment, this event would not be possible.”
About the Darke County Solid Waste District
The Darke County Solid Waste District provides recycling opportunities, educational programming, and special disposal events to promote environmental stewardship throughout Darke County.
For more information on upcoming events, please contact the District at 937-547-0827.
