Sigulda municipality collects 31 tonnes of used tyres in take-back campaign
Over two weeks, residents of Sigulda municipality handed in around 3,400 car tyres, totaling 31 tonnes, during a free collection campaign. The drive was organized by company "JUMIS" together with "Latvijas Zaļais punkts".
A free take-back campaign for used tyres took place in Sigulda municipality from September 1 to 12, allowing residents to dispose of a significant volume of old car tyres at no cost. In under two weeks, 31 tonnes of tyres were collected, equivalent to roughly 3,400 passenger car tyres.
The campaign was organized by environmental resource management company "JUMIS" Siguldas pilsētas SIA in cooperation with "Latvijas Zaļais punkts". The initiative aimed to encourage responsible handling of worn tyres so they would be recycled rather than discarded in ways harmful to the environment.
"JUMIS" director Jānis Apsītis said the strong response from residents shows that the opportunity to hand in old tyres remains relevant outside the usual tyre-change season, and that historically accumulated stockpiles of tyres have not yet disappeared.
Regular disposal options
Organizers noted that residents can continue to hand in used tyres for a small fee at sorted waste collection sites, including the "Zemdegas" and "Dzelzceļa stacija Inčukalns" points managed by "JUMIS", as well as at auto repair shops that perform tyre changes. When buying new tyres at official retail outlets, old tyres can be handed in free of charge.
An environmentally hazardous waste
Used tyres contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and benzene, which can contaminate soil and water as tyres break down. Tyre fires release toxic substances into the environment, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Organizers therefore urge people to sort tyres properly and send them for recycling, and to buy tyres from verified dealers who have paid for tyre management and recycling.
