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ECAR Fact Sheet for Minnesota
Waste Tires
Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources
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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.
What You Need to Know
Waste tires present two unique pollution and public-safety concerns: the potential for fires, and the possibility of providing a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Although waste tires do not ignite easily, once on fire, they burn very hot and are difficult to extinguish. Extinguishing methods are costly and can produce an oily run-off that can pollute soil and nearby surface and ground water. If improperly stored, tires may collect rainwater which can create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The State of Minnesota addressed these issues in 1984 by developing a waste-tire management program to ensure the proper collection, transportation, disposal and processing of waste tires. Salvage facilities are required under these rules to manage tires in an environmentally safe manner.
Under Minnesota law, you may store up to 500 waste tires without a permit. If you plan on storing more than 500 tires, you must apply for a storage permit through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Facilities storing less than 500 used tires must follow these management practices:
- Hire a transporter with a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ID number to take your tires or take them directly to an MPCA- permitted processing facility; and
- Keep waste-tire disposal records for at least three years.
Facilities storing more than 500 used tires must obtain a permit from the MPCA and follow these management practices:
- Limit individual stockpiles to 10,000 feet square by 20 feet high;
- Establish fire lanes at least 50 feet wide between stockpiles;
- Prohibit smoking and lighting of flames around stockpile area;
- Work with local fire and police departments to develop an emergency response plan in case of fire;
- Hire a transporter with a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ID number to take your waste tires or take used tires directly to an MPCA-permitted processing facility; and
- Keep waste-tire collection and disposal records for at least three years.
Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste tire management.
Minnesota State Rules on Waste Tire Management
When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they check to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).
Use the following list to audit your waste tire storage areas and management procedures.
- Where are waste tires transported for disposal/recycling? Hire a transporter with a MPCA ID number to take your tires or take them directly to an MPCA- permitted processing facility.
- How many tires are stored? Make sure you do not store more than 500 tires at any one time without a permit.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for waste tire storage areas and management procedures.
- Store as few waste tires as possible at your facility.
- Schedule regular pickup for waste tires by a properly MPCA permitted hauler.
- Keep tires stored indoors, if possible, or keep tire piles covered in order to prevent entrapment of water.
- If stored outdoors, store waste tires in a sunny area. (Sunlight speeds evaporation of standing water and kills heat-intolerant mosquito larvae.)
- If waste tires cannot be processed in a timely manner, leave waste tires on the rims to avoid problems with mosquitoes until the waste tires can be managed properly.
- Do not burn or bury waste tires.
- Clean and maintain tire processing equipment regularly. Dirty, poorly maintained equipment poses a pollution risk from greasy rainwater run-off or dripping oil.
For more information, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Regional Office closest to you:
- Northeast Region (Duluth) 218-723-4660.
- North Central Region (Brainerd) 218-828-2492.
- Northwest Region (Detroit Lakes) 218-847-1519.
- Southwest Region (Marshall) 507-537-7146.
- Southeast Region (Rochester) 507-285-7343.
- Or contact the MPCA customer service line at 651-297-2274.
*Report petroleum and fuel spills of five or more gallons, and any other chemical spill (including lead-acid batteries) which may cause pollution, to the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798.
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