THOMASVILLE — To date this year, more than 800 tires have been collected in Thomas County, and residents will have another chance in upcoming days to get rid of unwanted tires.

The third annual Tire Amnesty Day is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Collection sites are:

• Hansell Road

• Stewart Road

• Woodruff Farm/Sunset Drive

• Highway 188 and 202

• U.S. 84 East at Boston

• Behind emergency medical service/fire station on Remington Avenue at the recycle center

Only eight tires per household will be accepted. Bike, car and light truck tires will be accepted. Tires must be derimmed, clean and dry.

The event is open to residents of unincorporated Thomas County, Thomasville and the smaller municipalities.

“So far this year, we have collected 361 tires in April and 457 tires in August in our Tire Amnesty Day Event. The total collected is 818,” Pat Smith, Thomas County code enforcement officer, said.

Thomas County Solid Waste, Thomas County Code Enforcement, City of Thomasville Solid Waste and Keep Thomas County Beautiful will join forces in an effort to keep the community safe and beautiful.

Smith explained that illegal dumping of scrap tires is a big problem for Thomas County. She questioned if the situation is “out of sight, out of mind?”

Smith added, “Unfortunately, too many people still have that attitude and persist with illegal dumping. With continuous efforts and cracking down on those who are found responsible, our environment will see the benefit.”

Roads, river banks and rural parts of Thomas County “are not wastebaskets and shouldn’t be treated as such,” she said.

Illegally dumped tires and couches do not magically disappear, Smith said. “Individuals or groups have to clean it up, whether that is a resident, a business, civic organization or local government workers.”

She described those who dump illegally as disrespectful and selfish, leaving it to someone else to clean up their messes.

For more information about Tire Amnesty Day, contact Smith at 229-225-4120.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820