The municipality of Posadas, Argentina, removed 8,523 end-of-life tires from tire shops during the first half of 2026 as part of its ongoing campaign to reduce breeding sites for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue. The municipal operation covered 120 tire businesses across all 12 administrative delegations of the city and involved 111 collection days between January and June, averaging almost 330 tires removed per week. Authorities identified waste tires as a priority public health concern because their shape allows rainwater to accumulate, creating favorable conditions for mosquito reproduction. The program combines regular tire collection with targeted epidemiological surveillance and illustrates how organized waste tire management can support both public health and environmental objectives.

Municipal teams collect 8,523 tires in six months

Between January and June 2026, municipal teams removed 8,523 discarded tires from tire shops across Posadas. The operation reached 120 businesses and was carried out over 111 working days.

Collection volumes varied by month. May recorded the highest total, with 1,771 tires removed, followed closely by June with 1,745. April registered the lowest monthly figure, with 882 tires collected.

Tire shops treated as dengue hot spots

Municipal health authorities consider tire shops priority locations for dengue prevention because they can accumulate significant numbers of discarded tires. When stored outdoors, end-of-life tires can retain rainwater and create stagnant pools where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can lay eggs and develop.

For this reason, the municipality carries out focused and periodic collection at tire businesses rather than relying solely on general household waste removal.

Dolores Norte records highest collection volume

The program covered all 12 municipal delegations, but collection volumes varied substantially between areas. Dolores Norte recorded the highest number of waste tires removed, with 1,303 units.

Chacra 32-33 followed with 1,257 tires, while Santa Rita recorded 974. Other significant totals included Itaembé Mini Oeste with 823, Villa Urquiza with 831, Villa Cabello with 814, Miguel Lanús with 769 and Dolores Sur with 730.

Itaembé Mini Este recorded 622 tires, Itaembé Guazú 311, Centro 45 and Riberas del Paraná just 14. The geographical distribution helps municipal teams identify areas where tire accumulation and mosquito breeding risks are greater.

Waste tire collection supports environmental management

The Posadas initiative shows how tire collection programs can serve more than one policy objective. Removing abandoned or stored tires reduces the number of potential mosquito breeding sites while also improving management of a difficult waste stream.

End-of-life tires are bulky, durable and difficult to manage when accumulated outdoors. Regular collection from commercial generators such as tire shops can help prevent illegal dumping, uncontrolled stockpiling and public health risks.

Authorities urge households to eliminate standing water

The tire shop collection campaign is complemented by preventive measures aimed at households. Residents are encouraged to remove or empty objects capable of collecting water, including tires, cans, bottles, unused flowerpots, tarpaulins and buckets.

Containers used to store water should be kept covered, while water in flower vases and pet bowls should be changed regularly. Authorities also recommend cleaning gutters and drains and storing unused containers upside down.

Program combines tire management and dengue prevention

Posadas is using targeted waste tire collection as part of a broader epidemiological strategy against dengue. By monitoring tire shops, collecting end-of-life tires regularly and identifying areas with higher accumulation, the municipality aims to reduce conditions favorable to mosquito reproduction.

The first-half results demonstrate how structured tire collection can contribute simultaneously to waste management, urban cleanliness and public health. Continued collection and appropriate downstream treatment of recovered tires will remain important to ensure that the material does not simply move from commercial premises to new unmanaged stockpiles.

Original report by El Territorio.