Progreso is cleaning up illegally dumped tires from its streets after residents raised concerns with city leaders.

The city partnered with Hidalgo County Precinct One to collect the tires. Workers focused on Watts Avenue, where two large piles of tires had been dumped on a street corner.

Progreso resident Alicia Pina said she had been raising the issue at city council meetings for some time.

"Two blocks and two vacant lots — there were a lot of tires out there, but I also noticed there were tires from big trucks, and that's when I [spoke] out," Pina said.

The cleanup effort has already made a visible difference in the area.

"I am glad that they listened to the people of Progreso," Pina said.

Progreso City Manager Jorge Peña said on Wednesday crews have already hauled away 1,500 tires.

Peña said cleanup is just the first step. The city also plans to educate residents about the problems illegal tire dumping causes.

"I have some community members here, and I explained to them that this is their community and our community, so I am asking the chief and our investigator to knock on doors and pass out flyers reminding the community that dumping tires is illegal," Peña said.

Pina encouraged residents to take responsibility for proper tire disposal.

"If you are going to change your tires, go get them disposed of at the proper place and pay whatever you have to pay," Pina said.

Progreso city leaders are also working to create a program where residents can turn in tires instead of dumping them.

Watch the video above for the full story.