Council approves allowing up to 10 off‑rim passenger tires per household at recycling day

The Nowthen City Council voted May 12 to allow residents to drop off up to 10 off‑rim passenger vehicle tires per household at the city’s recycling day at no charge, reversing a prior, newsletter-advertised limit of two tires.

Council members debated whether the extra free pickups would reduce the small revenue previously collected at the recycling center and whether mosquito-control — the contractor that hauls tires on special pickup days — could handle larger volumes. Staff explained that on standard days residents pay a fee and the city remits a hauling expense; on the free recycling day mosquito-control accepts a limited number of tires at no charge.

The council’s approved motion (voice vote) included direction to advertise the revised tire allowance on the city’s Facebook page and other channels and to monitor mosquito-control capacity. The motion was passed with the understanding that the arrangement depends on the hauler’s willingness to continue the free removal and that staff will confirm limits from mosquito-control by email.

Council discussion stressed tradeoffs: allowing more free tires reduces short-term recycling-center revenue but can prevent unsafe accumulations of tires on private property. Several council members urged clear public messaging so residents understand the one‑day exception and any limits that mosquito-control imposes.

The policy change will be implemented for the upcoming recycling event; staff said they would follow up with the mosquito-control contact by email and publish clarifying guidance if necessary.