DeKalb County expands enforcement against illegal tire dumping as officials highlight cleanup progress and arrests

A persistent dumping problem draws stepped-up enforcement

DeKalb County officials are intensifying enforcement against illegal tire dumping, pairing cleanup operations with criminal investigations and court action aimed at deterring repeat offenses. The renewed focus follows multiple recent cases in which police investigations led to arrests or warrants connected to tire dumping in neighborhoods and commercial areas.

County leaders have described illegal tire piles as both an environmental hazard and a public-safety concern, citing frequent dumping in wooded areas, along creeks and ravines, and near residential streets where tires can become breeding grounds for insects and contribute to fire risks.

$250,000 initiative targets eight high-severity sites

In mid-December 2025, DeKalb County announced a $250,000 cleanup initiative targeting eight of its most severe illegal tire dump sites. County officials said the effort had already resulted in the removal or arranged removal of more than 37,000 tires from a range of locations, including residential communities, commercial corridors, wooded areas, and private property.

Officials stated that four of the eight major sites had been cleared at the time of the announcement, with the remaining sites expected to be completed by late December, weather permitting. The county framed the work as both abatement and enforcement-driven, emphasizing that investigations run alongside debris removal.

Arrests, warrants and the role of courts

Law-enforcement activity has been central to the county’s approach. In one earlier case publicized in 2025, two men were arrested after investigators connected them to tire dumping behind a Decatur retail area, where a growing pile had been reported over several months. Separately, DeKalb County Police announced three arrests in June 2025 tied to illegal tire dumping incidents, including dumping near a preschool that raised safety concerns about access routes and fire lanes.

County ordinance violations and related compliance matters can also move through the local court system, which is structured to address code enforcement cases with an emphasis on achieving compliance.

Policy push: tougher penalties and expanded resources

County leadership and public-safety officials have urged changes to state law to increase penalties for large-scale dumping, noting that misdemeanor-level consequences may not deter organized or repeat dumping. The county has also called for additional state funding support for large jurisdictions facing widespread illegal dumping.

What residents can do

• Report suspected illegal dumping promptly, especially if vehicle descriptions or license plates can be documented safely.
• Use county-provided disposal options, including scheduled tire amnesty events, to prevent accumulation and improper disposal.
• Coordinate with property owners and community groups to reduce access to common dumping corridors and improve visibility in problem areas.

DeKalb County’s strategy now centers on linking cleanup operations with investigations designed to identify dumpers and pursue charges where evidence supports criminal cases.

The county has indicated that enforcement will continue alongside cleanup work, with additional investigative activity expected as remaining high-severity sites are addressed.