Trash haulers throughout the county draw the line at picking up tires, so counties set up annual collection and recycling days. Mahantango Enterprises, of Liverpool, was the lone bidder for the Schuylkill County recycling event, which will be scheduled in early fall. The state Department of Environmental Protection reimburses the county up to 50 percent for the cost of this event. The exact dates will be announced on the county website and through advertisements.

The bid from Mahantango was opened prior to the commissioners workshop meeting Wednesday. As requested, the company provided a price for hauling a load of tires from the collection site to a landfill, with a 5-ton minimum per load, $100 per ton. If the bid is approved, collection sites will be located in Pottsville, Tamaqua, Girardville, Schuylkill Haven, Tremont, New Ringgold and Ringtown, and Wayne, North Manheim, Porter, Pine Grove, Hegins, Mahanoy and Branch townships.

Mahantango Enterprises began in the 1970s, when founders Roger and Leona Hess began stockpiling a supply of tires. In August 1989 the company built a recycling plant, capable of recycling the rubber from a tire, as well as fibers and steel cords. Recycled tires are made into products such as rubber mulch, landscaping borders, molded products and turf for athletic fields and equestrian venues.

The commissioners are entering into a new coal lease with Lone Eagle Coal Company, Pottsville, on lands in Reilly Township. The leased area consists of 102 acres of coal and surface. The county will receive a monthly royalty of $408 and a tonnage rate of $4 per ton.