Georgia fights illegally dumped scrap tires

Got scrap tires? Then you may be facing an August 1 deadline to apply for a new state-issued decal as Georgia ramps up efforts to prevent illegally dumped tires.

The decal is meant to make it easy to identify lawful scrap tire dealers, and was something championed by local residents, city officials and law enforcement agencies as part of an overhaul last year of the state's scrap tire laws. Anyone transporting more than 10 scrap or used tires must either have a decal or proof of purchase.

The changes, which have been rolling out since the law went into effect April 30, 2013, also expand requirements about how tires are collected and stored. They grew out of local legislation pushed by Atlanta City Council members Joyce Sheperd and Felicia Moore to fight illegal tire dumping within city limits.