Some Douglas County residents would like the county’s assistance in retiring tires.

The county routinely receives calls from residents asking what to do with their old tires, Douglas County Public Works Director Keith Browning said.

Right now the answer is to take them elsewhere, such as tire shops and garages. That usually comes with a disposal fee for each tire.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment used to offer a tire amnesty day, which allowed residents to get rid of their old tires for free. But that program has gone away.

“It’s a really big problem not just here, but statewide and across the country,” Browning said. “It’s definitely an issue we are starting to explore.”

At a Wednesday night Douglas County Commission meeting, Browning said the county is looking to partner with the city of Lawrence in helping residents discard tires.

The city has the ability to process old tires into a material landfills will accept. Each year the city allows residents to dispose of five tires without an additional fee.

The possible partnership was among the issues that arose when the county commission had its annual review of the regional solid waste management plan.

The county is also exploring partnering with the city in disposing of refrigerators or air conditioners that contain Freon.

If added, both services could mean an increase in how much county residents pay for their garbage bill, Browning said.