Join your neighbors to beautify Apple Valley and recycle tires at no charge
Apple Valley, California (High Desert News Online) – Apple Valley residents are invited to roll up their sleeves on Saturday, July 26, for a free neighborhood cleanup and tire amnesty day at Lions Park, where community members can drop off household debris and old passenger-car tires between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Event Details and Schedule
The Town of Apple Valley and its partner Burrtec Waste are sponsoring a combined neighborhood cleanup and tire amnesty event this Saturday, July 26, at Lions Park (22000 Outer Highway 18). From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can dispose of non-hazardous yard waste, bulky household items, and up to nine passenger or light-truck tires free of charge.
Volunteers and Code Enforcement staff will be on hand throughout the day to guide participants, distribute cleanup supplies, and ensure that all materials are properly sorted for recycling. Proof of residency—such as a driver’s license or utility bill—is required for drop-off, and tires must be removed from rims. Commercial dealers and hazardous materials (e.g., electronics, paint, batteries) are not accepted.
Sponsors and Funding
This community enhancement event is jointly hosted by the Town of Apple Valley and Burrtec Waste, with funding support from the California Integrated Waste Management Board. The grant helps cover the costs of tire collection and ensures that all collected tires are repurposed—primarily as alternative fuel—rather than ending up in local desert dumps.
Through past tire amnesty days, Apple Valley has collected roughly 7,000 tires annually, diverting them from illegal dumping sites and bolstering the town’s environmental stewardship goals.
Neighborhood Cleanup Program
In addition to the tire drop-off, the event serves as one of six rotating neighborhood cleanups conducted each year under the Town’s Community Enhancement Programs. Code Enforcement staff select neighborhoods that would benefit most from extra support, deliver flyers door-to-door, and coordinate volunteer efforts to remove accumulated trash, yard debris, and bulky items at no cost to residents.
This grant-funded initiative emphasizes recycling: volunteers separate recyclables on site, while general debris is hauled away by Burrtec. The program aims to promote pride of place, improve health and safety by reducing fire hazards, and deter illegal dumping in residential areas.
Environmental and Health Benefits
By providing an easy, cost-free way to dispose of tires and yard waste, Apple Valley reduces the risk of mosquito breeding grounds and roadside pollution. Collected tires, once processed, serve as alternative fuel in local facilities, lowering reliance on virgin resources.
The cleanup component helps eliminate overgrown brush and litter that can harbor pests and pose fire risks. Residents report cleaner streets, improved curb appeal, and a heightened sense of community when neighborhoods participate in collective cleanup efforts.
Quotes from Community Leaders
“Our Neighborhood Cleanup and Tire Amnesty Day reflects our commitment to a cleaner, safer Apple Valley,” “When neighbors come together, we not only improve our surroundings, but also build stronger bonds that make our town a better place to live.”
How to Participate
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Prepare items: Sort recyclables, bundle yard waste, and remove tires from rims (nine-tire limit).
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Bring proof of residency: Driver’s license, utility bill, or similar.
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Arrive early: Volunteers will distribute supplies first come, first served.
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Follow directions: Staff will direct you where to unload debris and tires.
For questions about acceptable items or volunteer opportunities, call Code Enforcement at (760) 240-7560 or email code@applevalley.org.
Community Reaction and Impact
Local resident Maria Lopez, who helped clear her street last year, said, “It’s amazing how much trash accumulates when you don’t notice day to day. Working alongside my neighbors felt empowering, and our street looked brand new by noon.”
Past cleanup days have led to a 25% drop in illegal dumping complaints in targeted areas, according to town data. The tire amnesty program has similarly cut unauthorized tire dumps by half, helping preserve the Mojave Desert landscapes surrounding Apple Valley.
Looking Ahead
With six cleanup zones scheduled throughout the year, residents are encouraged to watch for upcoming events in their neighborhood. Future programs include twice-yearly community wide cleanups, juvenile volunteer days, and recycling drives for electronics and household hazardous waste.
By participating in the July 26 event, Apple Valley citizens contribute to their town’s ongoing effort to foster a greener, safer, and more connected community.
