PORT ROYAL — Discarded tires can quickly become an environmental and public health concern when left in fields, woodlots, waterways or illegal dump sites.

That’s why the Juniata County Conservation District continues to offer residents an opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted tires through its annual Tire Recycling Event.

The 2026 Tire Recycling Event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m., or until collection trucks are full, at the Juniata County Fairgrounds, 308 W. Eighth St., Port Royal.

The event is open to Juniata County residents and provides a convenient option for recycling tires that might otherwise sit on properties for years.

“It’s still awesome to see people bringing tires out,” said Nick Smith, recycling coordinator for the Juniata County Conservation District.

Tires can create numerous problems when improperly stored or discarded. They take up significant space in landfills, can collect standing water that attracts mosquitoes and can become fire hazards if large numbers accumulate in one location.

Recycling programs help divert tires from the waste stream while allowing materials to be repurposed into products such as playground surfaces, athletic fields, landscaping mulch and road construction materials.

The local event has seen participation fluctuate from year to year, but residents continue to take advantage of the opportunity. In 2025, the event collected 303 tires, including a combination of tractor, car and truck, semi and golf cart tires. In 2024, organizers collected 734 tires.

Smith said predicting turnout is difficult because the district does not require advance registration. “We sometimes have people call in, but it’s really just a guessing game,” Smith said.

Instead of signing up ahead of time, residents simply arrive during the event and drop off their tires.

“No signups,” Smith said. “Anyone who is a Juniata County resident, can come anytime during that time frame and drop them off.”

A key component of the event’s success has been support from local volunteers. Last year, members of the FFA assisted with the tire collection effort, helping keep traffic moving and ensuring tires were loaded efficiently.

“Last year, FFA were an awesome help,” Smith said.

The conservation district hopes to continue partnering with local student organizations and community groups for future events.

“We like to work with any of the school clubs or organizations,” Smith said. “Without them, we could not get this project done.”

Volunteers assist with tasks ranging from directing traffic to loading tires onto trucks for transport and recycling. As planning continues for this year’s collection, organizers are reaching out to potential volunteer groups and supporters.

“We’re still working on this year,” Smith said. “We’ll start to reach out some soon, and get it on our radar.”

Collection fees for the 2026 event are $4 per passenger vehicle or pickup truck tire, $8 per tractor-trailer tire, $2 per motorcycle tire, $2 per golf cart tire, $1 per bicycle tire and $25 per oversized tire measuring up to 48 inches tall by 14 inches wide. Organizers note that prices are subject to change. Payment will be accepted by cash or check only.

Residents with questions about the event may contact Smith at Nicholas-smith@juniataccd.org or by phone at (717) 997-8007.