MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Tires were piling up and cash was flowing in south Memphis. Friday was the final day of Memphis' Cash for Tires program, ending under budget.
Deven Johnson was making his third load in three days after he collected 700 tires throughout south Memphis.
"Trying to make a little money selling tires," he said, "it should be about two weeks, I'd be here every day."
But, the program only lasts three days with a maximum of $40,000 to hand out.
SOT -- collins @ 38:31
Memphis City Councilman Harold Collins said, "We always want to stay within the margin because if we were to go over then people would be mad because we don't have enough money."
Collins estimates a total of 35,000 tires were collected over the three day period. Whatever money is left over will go back in the general fund in the public works division, "To be used for other issues: potholes, snow - making sure we have enough salt and sand on the streets," Collins said.
This is the fourth time the Tire Redemption Program has been offered by the city. Public Works Director Dwan Gilliom says throughout the years they've worked to make the redemption more efficient for citizens. "We are getting the redeemers in and out of the gates in 10-15 minutes," he said.
Even though Johnson would like to see the program last longer, he's grateful for the $700 and the city's grateful for the cleanup help.
