WINTON – Those taking old tires for disposal at the Hertford County Landfill will face a slight increase for that service.

And, for the first time, a tire disposal fee applies for Hertford County municipalities.

After hearing a request from Melvin Nichols, the county’s Public Works Director, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to increase the tire disposal fee.

With the same motion, the board also approved a measure that will discontinue free disposal of tires brought to the landfill by municipal government employees.

“After speaking to Tim McNeil (of Central Carolina Holding) and Pam Moore (of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources), they said we were too cheap with our used tire disposal rates,” Nichols told the commissioners.

Central Carolina Holdings, LLC is a waste disposal company that accepts tires from the Hertford County Landfill.

Prior to the vote, Nichols informed the commissioners…“The county is now paying over $1,000 per load to get rid of tires. It was $800 a load when I got here.”

In regards to municipalities using the free service, Nichols said it cost the county $673.08 (for disposing of 316 tires) in 2007-08. While that cost was over $200 lower in 2008-09 (due to disposing of a less number – 227 – of tires), the county was still footing the bill.

Nichols added that once personnel at the landfill began the process of closely screening the size of tires brought by individuals to the landfill, the collection fee had risen from $403 in 2007-08 to $982 in 2008-09.

The new disposal rate per tire is as follows:

Passenger vehicle tires – $1.25 (old price was $1).

Large tractor-trailer tires – $3 (was $2).

Extra large farm tractor tires – $4 (formerly $3).

Off-road or skidder tires – $75 (new category).

According to North Carolina General Statutes, a state resident can still dispose of five replacement tires at no charge. However, Nichols said that does not apply if a used tire has been cut off the rim.

The new rates take affect immediately.