Brevard County residents have until April 18 to drop off old tires at two designated locations as part of a free amnesty program aimed at reducing mosquito populations. The event, hosted by Brevard County Mosquito Control and Solid Waste Management, runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16-18 at the North Area Mosquito Control Facility on 800 Perimeter Road in Titusville and the South Area facility at 3 Pilots’ Place in Valkaria. Participation is limited to Brevard residents, who must present a valid driver’s license as proof of residency.
The initiative targets the more than 1.5 million tires stored in backyards and garages across the county, which can hold standing water and become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Florida Department of Health officials estimate that each discarded tire can produce hundreds of mosquitoes annually. By removing these tires, the program aims to cut off a key source of mosquito larvae. 'This is a simple way for residents to help protect their families from diseases like Zika and West Nile virus,' said a county spokesperson.
Residents may bring up to 24 tires per household, with no weight limit. Tires must be removed from vehicles and placed in the designated areas. The event follows a 2025 county initiative that collected over 12,000 tires during similar amnesty days. No fees or permits are required, but participants must stay in their vehicles while unloading tires at the facilities.
The program is part of a broader mosquito control strategy that includes 150,000 gallons of larvicide applied annually to county waterways. County officials say the tire amnesty days have reduced reported cases of mosquito-borne illnesses by 18% since 2022. Residents are encouraged to attend even if they have only a few tires to dispose of.