Atlanta councilman wants jail time for illegal tire dumpers

ATLANTA - An Atlanta city council member is demanding tougher penalties for people who are illegally dumping tires in neighborhoods across the city. 

The city of Atlanta sends trucks out to pick up discarded tires, but more tires are added all over town.

City council member Howard Shook believes it is because fines do not deter the tire dumpers.

The veteran lawmaker is asking the commissioner of public works to seek jail time as punishment.

Trashed acreage with tires also costs taxpayers money. When the city picks up the tires, a fee has to be paid to a recyclers for proper disposal.