St. Mary’s River Watershed Association Steps In After Tires Are Illegally Dumped Near Office

ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association is urging residents to properly dispose of old tires after discovering a pile of illegally dumped tires near its office earlier this month.

According to the organization, the tires were left along the roadside for weeks before staff members applied for a fee waiver and transported them to the St. Andrews Landfill located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road to prevent potential environmental harm.

Environmental advocates warn that improperly discarded tires pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Tires can leach heavy metals, microplastics and other toxic pollutants into soil and waterways, create fire hazards, and collect standing water that becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Wildlife can also be harmed by tire debris, while dumping degrades natural and recreational areas.

The association emphasized that legal disposal options are readily available. St. Mary’s County residents are permitted to bring up to five passenger car or light truck tires to the county landfill at no cost.

Officials are encouraging residents to report illegal dumping incidents to the St. Mary’s County Solid Waste Manager by calling (301) 475-4200.