MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - One of the most popular government programs in Memphis is back. Cash for Tires is happening now at the County Tire Recycling Station on Elvis Presley.
According to Memphis City Permits Director Aubrey Howard, "The cars and trucks have been in line since before dawn ready to dispose of their tires and pick up at least one hundred bucks for one load, and maybe one hundred bucks for another."
Old tires never die, they just move to Memphis - at least that's what it seems like. So when the city first started its Cash for Tires program a couple of years ago, Howard says they had one thing in mind. "It's a cleanup program, essentially."
Tires sort of age like men. Once they were made of steel bands, boasting their names - Firestone, Goodyear. But time takes its toll on men and on tires. Now they're bald and lifeless.
Each tire brought in now represents one picture of George Washington on green paper.
"They get paid a dollar a tire," Howard said. "They'll fill out a form here with staff, and we'll send them a check from the city."
Memphis is a city where one hundred dollars means a lot, a city where any chance to make a buck is appreciated. The program is scheduled to run through Friday.
"It helps me out a lot," said Reginald Adams, who showed up with a pile of tires in tow. "Pampers, diapers, kids, it helps me tremendously."
This is a program that might not last very long. They've got only $60,000. More than 6,200 tires were turned in Wednesday, and people were already in line that same evening for Thursday.
