DeKalb County Cracks Down on Illegal Tire Dumping, Announces Arrest

Authorities detail latest efforts to address persistent problem in the county

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a discarded tire tread, the textured rubber and worn grooves conceptually representing the problem of illegal tire dumping.A recent crackdown on illegal tire dumping in DeKalb County aims to address a persistent environmental nuisance.Atlanta Today

DeKalb County officials, including CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Police Chief Gregory Padrick, held a news conference to announce the latest developments in their crackdown on illegal tire dumping. The county has identified 42 hot spots for the problem and is working to enforce penalties that can range from fines to jail time under Georgia law.

Why it matters

Illegal tire dumping has been an ongoing nuisance issue in DeKalb County, creating environmental hazards and blight in communities. The county is taking a more aggressive approach to address the problem through enforcement, education, and providing safe disposal options for residents.

The details

During the news conference, officials provided details on the recent arrest made in connection with an illegal dumping case. They also discussed the county's Scrap Tire Amnesty program, which is designed to give residents accessible and safe ways to properly dispose of tire material.

  • The news conference was held on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson

The CEO of DeKalb County.

Gregory Padrick

The Police Chief of DeKalb County.

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What they’re saying

“Tire dumping has continued to be a nuisance in DeKalb County, with 42 reported hot spots for illegally disposing of the material.”

— Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County CEO

What’s next

The county plans to continue its crackdown on illegal tire dumping, including through enforcement of penalties and promoting its Scrap Tire Amnesty program to provide safe disposal options for residents.

The takeaway

DeKalb County's intensified efforts to address the persistent problem of illegal tire dumping demonstrate a commitment to tackling environmental blight and public safety issues in the community.