Mississippi County, Ark. — As part of its ongoing efforts to protect the environment and enhance community spaces, Mississippi County removed more than 1,200 improperly discarded tires this week during its annual Fall County-Wide Clean Up. The event, held September 11-12 at the Mississippi County Landfill, provided residents and municipalities with an opportunity to dispose of waste at reduced or no cost.
The cleanup collected a total of 1,246 tires, along with 7 tons of waste from individuals and 157 tons from municipalities. The initiative allowed local governments to process waste at a 50% discount, while residents could drop off materials, including tires, free of charge.
"Taking care of Mississippi County starts with taking responsibility for our own communities," said County Judge John Alan Nelson. "When we see an area that needs attention, we want to address it. This cleanup is about doing our part to protect our environment, improve the appearance of our county, and make sure Mississippi County remains a place we are proud to call home."
Improper tire disposal is a nationwide issue, with significant environmental and public health implications. According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, the United States generates over 250 million end-of-life tires annually. While the association reports that 79% of these were recycled or reclaimed in 2023, approximately 48 million tires remain in stockpiles across the country. Illegally dumped tires can collect standing water, which creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and they pose further risks due to potential fires and environmental contamination.
Judge Nelson emphasized shared responsibility in maintaining cleanliness throughout Mississippi County. "Keeping our county clean is something all of us have a role in," Nelson said. "The county will continue doing its part, and we appreciate the residents and municipalities who took advantage of the cleanup to dispose of waste responsibly."
Mississippi County, located in Northeast Arkansas along the Mississippi River, is the leading steel-producing county in the United States. Known for its advanced manufacturing and economic development, the county is home to major employers like Nucor-Yamato Steel, Big River Steel, and Hybar. The Arkansas Aeroplex, a former Air Force base now serving as an industrial and aviation center, also contributes to the region’s workforce-driven economy.
Efforts like the Fall County-Wide Cleanup aim to maintain the county’s reputation as both an industrial hub and a vibrant place for residents to live and work.