Waste Tires

ECAR Fact Sheet for Idaho
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

Discarded tires are a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests and rodents. Just one tire left outdoors can breed hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes in retained rainwater. Mosquitoes are known carriers of encephalitis, the West Nile Virus and other serious diseases.

Management and disposal of waste tires is complicated by the high costs of transporting waste tires to authorized disposal sites, and the state's prohibition against landfilling whole tires. Whole tires cannot be buried at sanitary landfills because they do not easily compact or decompose and take up valuable landfill space. Recognizing that Idaho's regulation of waste tires lacked adequate precautions and incentives for proper storage, disposal and transport, the Idaho Waste Tire Law was signed into law on April 14, 2003, and took effect July 1, 2003.

This fact sheet will help you manage the tires stored at your facility and how to dispose of them properly.

The DEQ provides guidance on their website to help auto recyclers manage waste tires. Much of the information is included in the fact sheet below or you can access the guidance under "Other Relevant Resources."

Regulations

Idaho's 2003 Waste Tire law strengthens the ability of the state, counties and cities to regulate waste tire storage and disposal sites. Its major provisions include storage, disposal and transport requirements for waste tires.

Idaho's waste tire law defines a "wrecking salvage business" as any establishment or place of business which is maintained, used, or operated, for storing, keeping, buying, or selling wrecked, scrapped, ruined, or dismantled motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts.

Storage Requirements. Idaho defines "store" or "storage" as an accumulation of more than 200 waste tires at any time, or to own or control property on which more than 200 waste tires accumulate at any given time, in a manner that does not constitute final disposal at a waste tire disposal site.

However, if you meet the definition of a wrecking salvage business and you collect less than 1,500 waste tires for each retail business location, your facility does not fall under the definition of "storing" or "storage" of waste tires.

What this means is that if you meet the definition of a wrecking salvage business, you can store up to 1,500 waste tires at each retail business location.

Disposal. You may not dispose of waste tires on any public or private property in this state or in the waters of the state except at permitted public or private municipal solid waste landfills which have been approved to accept waste tires in their operating plans.

Transporter Requirements. To "transport" or 'transporting" means picking up or hauling waste tires. No person shall transport waste tires for storage to any location in the state other than to a:

Waste tire storage site for which a city or county has issued a permit or other written county or city authorization in active status;
Municipal solid waste landfill which is operating in compliance with the requirements of the Idaho Code; or,
Facility in the state which possesses a valid air quality permit, provided the permit allows for an approved beneficial use of the waste tires.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste tire management.

Idaho's Waste Tire Management Requirements

Self-Audit Checklist

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.

How many tires are stored? If you meet the definition of a wrecking salvage business, you can store up to 1,500 waste tires at each retail business location.
Are you following waste tire disposal and transport requirements? Ensure you transport and dispose of waste tires at permitted waste tire storage sites, municipal landfills, or facilities with a valid air quality permit that allows for beneficial use of the waste tires.

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.
Keep tires stored indoors, if possible, or keep tire piles covered in order to prevent entrapment of water.
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.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Idaho Waste Management and Remediation Division at 208-373-0502.
To report a spill or leak, call the Idaho state Communication Center at 800-632-8000 or 208-846-7610.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office or fill out an online environmental concern form.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

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