ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 11, 2008) -  On Thursday, July 10,2008, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation teamed up with the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau and Anne Arundel County's Department of Public Works to offer a Tire Amnesty Day for farmers. This special effort provided a way for farmers to dispose of scrap tires in an environmentally friendly manner.

 

Tire Amnesty Day took place at the Southern District Yard in Friendship, Maryland.  Seven Anne Arundel County farmers participated in the event and a total of 126 tires used on agricultural machinery were collected.  Emanual Tire Company in Baltimore provided a 40 foot trailer to collect the tires and take them back to Baltimore, where the materials will be recycled and reused.

 

"Cleaning up our environment takes the help and participation from everyone," County Executive John R. Leopold said.  "Events such as this will continue in Anne Arundel County and I am pleased with the cooperation from our farmers."

 

"Farmers want to do everything they can to be good stewards of the land and water," said Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau President Jeff Griffith.  "Hosting this clean-up event helps Anne Arundel County farmers protect the environment."

 

Ross Moreland, owner of Shady Oaks Turf Farm commented "This is an incredible service for our agricultural community.  Everyone was pleased with the turnout at this first-time event in Anne Arundel County."

 

Currently, Anne Arundel County residents are permitted to bring 4 tires at a time into the Millersville landfill at no additional charge which takes care of the typical tire generation by a homeowner.  Planning is currently taking place for additional special collections of agricultural tires.

 

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages and promotes agricultural and environmental programs on behalf of Anne Arundel County. These programs are part of our mission to serve business needs and to increase the County's economic base through job growth and investment. For additional information on agriculture programs or Farmers Markets' in Anne Arundel County please contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, (410) 222-7410 or visit our website at www.aaedc.org.