Schuylkill County will hold its fall cleanup at 16 sites in September for residents.

Tires will be accepted, but electronics will not. The commissioners talked about the topic at Thursday’s meeting. Automobile, light truck motorcycle and RV tires are accepted.

“We do get reimbursed 50 percent of the cost,” County Administrator Gary Bender said of the program funded by the commissioners and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“To me this tire thing is a big issue,” Commissioners’ Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington said.

He said the tires can be a health hazard for the community.

“They collect water. They stink. It’s a breeding place for mosquitoes. This is a great program to keep that eyesore away from rural areas and municipalities. It’s a lot of work, but I think it’s worthwhile to get it done,” Hetherington said.

There is a small cost for some items.

Freon-bearing appliances, air conditioners, refrigerators and dehumidifiers are $10 each.

Bulky items such as mattresses, box springs, rolls of carpet, doors and windows are $10 each; sofas and overstuffed chairs are $5 per cushion.

There is no cost for non-Freon bearing items and scrap metal such as stoves, washers, dryers, water heaters, bicycles, barbecue grills and metal furniture.

During the week of Sept. 7, collections will be held in Pottsville, C.E.S. Landfill, Ringtown, Mahanoy and Schuylkill Haven boroughs and North Manheim, Pine Grove and Branch townships. The following week collection sites are Minersville, Girardville, Tremont and New Ringgold boroughs and Porter, Hegins and Wayne townships and the Tamaqua Transfer station. Proof of residency is required. Those with questions may call 570-628-1220.

Additional information will be available on the county website, co.schuylkill.pa.us.