Pasco waives tire disposal fee as dengue response continues

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL - Pasco County residents have until November 1 to dispose of up to four old tires for free as part of the county's response to dengue fever.

Pasco County announced it is waiving residential tire disposal fees from October 1 through November 1, saying the move is meant to reduce mosquito breeding areas.

Old tires can collect standing water behind sheds, near garages or in outdoor piles. County officials say those areas can quickly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The county issued a local state of emergency for dengue on September 23, saying the mosquito-borne viral infection is impacting the community and region.

What residents can drop off

Pasco County residents may bring up to four old tires for free.

The tires must be no more than 36 inches in diameter. Tires must be separated from other trash or waste, but rims may stay attached.

The waived fee applies to residential tire disposal during the county's temporary program.

Drop-off locations

  • East Pasco Transfer Station, 9626 Handcart Road, Dade City Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • West Pasco Resource Recovery, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Land O' Lakes Recycling Drop-off, 6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O' Lakes Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For many Wesley Chapel residents, the Land O' Lakes drop-off may be the closest county-listed option, but residents should check the county's information before going.

Why tires matter

Dengue is spread by infected mosquitoes. Pasco County and health officials are asking residents to reduce mosquito production by removing standing water and following "Drain and Cover" prevention steps.

Discarded tires are a common problem because they can hold rainwater and stay wet long enough for mosquitoes to breed.

This program gives residents a practical way to remove one of the more stubborn sources of standing water before the November 1 deadline.

What residents can do now

  • Walk around the yard and check for old tires or other containers holding water.
  • Set aside up to four tires for county drop-off.
  • Keep tires separated from regular trash.
  • Confirm the drop-off location and hours before leaving.
  • Contact Pasco County or mosquito control officials with questions about dengue prevention.

Pasco County lists the Pasco County Mosquito Control District at 727-376-4568 and the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County at 727-619-0300 for dengue prevention and mosquito control information.

Sources

Pasco County - Pasco County Waives Residential Tire Disposal Fee https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/_T18_R756.php

Pasco County - Pasco County Issues Local State of Emergency for Dengue https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/_T18_R754.php

Florida Department of Health - Dengue Fever https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/dengue/

Pasco County Mosquito Control District https://www.pascomosquito.org/