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Committee defers resolution on scrap‑tire dumping and illegal tire disposal for 60 days; staff to coordinate with municipalities and state law
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposed resolution addressing the illegal dumping of scrap tires and plans for coordinated response with neighboring jurisdictions and the state. The committee deferred the item for 60 days to allow staff to consult with public works, legal and regional partners and to gather statutory and enforcement options.
The IRPS committee discussed a resolution on May 20 intended to address egregious littering and the illegal dumping of scrap tires across DeKalb County, and deferred the item for 60 days to allow staff to gather statutory guidance and coordinate a regional response.
Commissioners said illegal tire dumping is a countywide problem that imposes cleanup costs on the county and can result in environmental and public-health hazards. Staff reported coordination with the Atlanta Regional Commission and ongoing work by county sustainability staff. The committee discussed both near-term steps and legislative strategies for the 2027 agenda to change incentives so recycling is financially preferable to illegal dumping.
Commissioner Tia (first name given as Tierra in transcript) referenced Georgia Code provisions on scrap-tire generators (OCGA 12-8-40.1) and the county's potential role in requiring manifests from commercial scrap-tire generators. Commissioners asked the law department and public works to confirm whether county code and state law already provide enforcement tools and whether local code updates are needed. Law staff agreed to research the state law and return highlighted sections to commissioners.
The committee set a 60-day deferral to allow Marcus Allen (staff lead) to convene municipal partners, Public Works, sustainability staff and the law department, and to return with recommended enforcement, compliance and legislative approaches.
Why it matters: Illegal tire dumping imposes ongoing cleanup costs, creates safety and environmental hazards and undermines local recycling infrastructure; coordinated enforcement and legislative changes could reduce illegal disposal and align financial incentives for recycling.
What's next: County law and public-works staff will review OCGA 12-8-40.1 and related rules, coordinate with municipal partners and the state tire-recycling vendors and return to IRPS within 60 days with recommendations and potential code or legislative changes.
