Each year, hundreds of scrap tires are illegally dumped along roadways, creating threats to the environment, public health and safety.

In an effort to decrease the number of scrap tires in the area, Keep Dawson County Beautiful offers Dawson County residents a scrap tire amnesty day from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Dawson County Transfer Station.

The service is free and allows each household to dispose of up to 10 clean passenger car or light truck size tires. The service is not available for tire retailers or wholesalers.

The one day event serves as a kick-off for the new Dawson County Tire and Oil Recycling Program beginning in November at the transfer station.

The new program offers residents an opportunity to dispose of tires for a nominal fee. Disposal rates are $2 for passenger car and light truck tires, $7.50 for semi-truck and trailer tires and $25 for small equipment, such as farm tires.

The Dawson County Transfer Station is at 946 Burt Creek Road, Dawsonville. The station is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information on Scrap Tire Amnesty Day, call Keep Dawson County Beautiful Chair Karen Armstrong at (678) 943-0516 or e-mail karmstrong@dawsoncounty.org.