ECAR Fact Sheet for Arkansas
Used 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

Scrap tires provide convenient habitats for rodents. They hold water and become excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes that carry diseases. Improperly stored tires present a fire hazard. They trap oxygen that will constantly feed the flames which emit noxious, air polluting smoke. When tires are illegally burned, oils and soot can run off and contaminate both surface and ground water.

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

Accumulation of Waste Tires. Do not accumulate more than a few hundred waste tires on site. If mosquitoes are a problem, even a few hundred may be too many. Check with your local health department unit for recommendations on mosquito control. * A site with an accumulation of 500 or more waste tires will require a waste tire collection center permit from the ADEQ.

Storage. Store waste tires indoors per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

standards or outdoors with a cover to prevent the collection of standing water

and to prevent mosquito larvae from thriving. 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 properly

Transporting waste tires. Transport waste tires regularly to minimize  accumulations. All haulers of 25 or more waste or used tires must be licensed with the ADEQ. Use only transporters licensed by ADEQ. Dispose of tires at a permitted or ADEQ permitted facility. Check with ADEQ for a list of facilities.

Recordkeeping. Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.

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

Arkansas Waste Tire Regulations (Regulation 14)

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.

1. Are you required to have a permit? A site with an accumulation of 500 or more waste tires will require a waste tire collection center permit from the ADEQ.
2. How many tires are stored? Do not accumulate more than a few hundred waste tires on site. If mosquitoes are a problem, even a few hundred may be too many. Check with your local health department unit for recommendations on mosquito control.
3. Are you following scrap tire transport requirements? Transport waste tires regularly to minimize accumulations. All haulers of 25 or more waste or used tires must be licensed with the ADEQ. Use only transporters licensed by ADEQ. Dispose of tires at a permitted or ADEQ permitted facility. Check with ADEQ for a list of facilities.
4. Are you complying with all recordkeeping requirements? Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.

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.

1. For more information, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Solid Waste Division at 501-682-0600.
2. Report any spill of used oil or fuel that discharges to a water body, or any spill over 25 gallons, to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management at 1-800-322-4012
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, call 800-327-8411 or 800-EARTH-11.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

1. Environmental Compliance Guidebook for Arkansas Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers
2. Hazardous and Solid Waste Fact Sheets

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