HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Habersham County is preparing to tackle one of its ongoing litter problems — old tires dumped across the county — with the help of a new state-funded cleanup program.
At their May 18 meeting, county commissioners unanimously approved a fiscal year 2026 scrap tire abatement reimbursement grant agreement with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The program is designed to help counties clean up illegally dumped tires and properly recycle them.
Habersham County Solid Waste Director Johnnie Vickers said the funding comes from the Georgia Solid Waste Trust Fund, which is supported by fees collected when new tires are sold statewide.
The program works on a reimbursement basis, meaning the county must first complete approved cleanup work before submitting paperwork to the state for repayment.
“So the county would first complete approved activities and then submit documentation to Georgia EPD for reimbursement,” Vickers told commissioners.
The grant can provide up to $75,000 each year to help cover the cost of collecting, transporting, and recycling scrap tires.
County Commission Chair Bruce Harkness said the program could make a major difference in cleaning up the county while giving residents a chance to properly dispose of unwanted tires.
“This is going to be a huge program for our county to get rid of old, used tires that are located in the county,” Harkness said.
Officials emphasized the effort is intended for Habersham County residents and not for people bringing tires in from neighboring counties.
Harkness said the county plans to hold a tire collection event in June, though the exact date and location have not yet been finalized. The event will likely take place at the county landfill.
“If anyone has any friends or family that need to get rid of old tires here in the county, now is the time to do so to help clean up and beautify our wonderful county,” Harkness said.
County leaders said the program will help address illegal dumping while promoting safer and more environmentally responsible disposal of scrap tires.
