ECAR Fact Sheet for Massachusetts
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

Hazards associated with waste tire piles include heavy mosquito infestations and fires. Waste tires accumulate water, which is a viable environment and ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes not only are nuisances, but also can carry and transmit disease to humans and animals.

In addition to being breeding grounds for mosquitoes, waste tires also can be easily ignited, resulting in fires that are difficult to extinguish. Tire fires can burn for several weeks, causing millions of dollars of damage including soil, surface water and groundwater contamination.

Regulations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) Solid Waste Regulations do not categorize nor define salvage yards or automotive recycling operations. As a result, understanding what regulations you have to comply with can be a bit tricky.

As a general rule, you may be exempt from the state's solid waste regulations if you incorporate good management practices, prevent unpermitted discharge of pollutants to the environment, and not create a public nuisance.

Licensing. The MADEP does not license generators of solid waste. However, this does not mean that you can operate without a license. Local cities and towns in Massachusetts do have the authority to license your facility and make additional rules, regulations and restrictions. It is vital that you check with your local municipality to determine if your facility is in compliance with applicable laws relating to scrap tires.

Storage. Store as few tires as possible. Store whole and processed tires in buildings, covered containers or covered to prevent the infiltration of water. Store the tires in accordance with applicable regulations and local fire department requirements for storing combustible material.

Transportation. Solid waste haulers are not regulated and do not require a permit.

Disposal. If you can demonstrate that the tires are being recycled or reused, you me exempt from solid waste regulations. Whole tires are banned from disposal in landfills and from incineration. Tires must be shredded prior to landfill disposal. You must send your tires to permitted disposal sites.

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

Massachusetts Solid Waste Regulations

Massachusetts Licensing Law for Junk Dealers (Chapter 140, Section 54)

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.

1. Are you properly licensed? Check with your local city or town to determine what licensing requirements and other rules or regulations you must comply with.
2. How many tires are stored? Store as few tires as possible. Store whole and processed tires in buildings, covered containers or covered to prevent the infiltration of water. Store the tires in accordance with applicable regulations and local fire department requirements for storing combustible material. Send tires to an approved disposal or recycling facility.
3. Is your facility in compliance with applicable laws and regulations? Make sure that you incorporate good management practices, prevent unpermitted discharge of pollutants to the environment, and not create a public nuisance.

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 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.

Contacts

1. For additional information, contact the Massachusetts Recycling Division at 617-292-5597.
2. To check on any special county ordinances concerning scrap tires, contact your county manager or county solid waste office.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the Environmental Strike Force at 617-556-1000 or 888-VIOLATE (1-888-846-5283).

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

None.

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