ECAR Fact Sheet for New Hampshire
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

Whole 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.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage scrap tires. Much of the information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the DES's "Management of Used Motor Vehicle Batteries," under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

Scrap tires are regulated as a solid waste in New Hampshire. The state has specific requirements for collecting, storing, transferring, processing, treating and landfilling tires. A solid waste management facility permit is required in most instances.

Permit Requirements. A solid waste permit is required to collect, store and transfer scrap tires unless the tires are sent directly for salvage and re-use as tires. No permit is required to actively collect, store and transfer source separated tires that pass inspection in New Hampshire and may be legally re-used as tires. A permit is required, however, to collect mixed loads of usable and non-usable tires where the usable tires are then sorted out.

Storage. Tires may be collected and stored in outdoor transfer containers or on the ground. If stored on the ground, the stockpiles must be no greater than 25 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height, or less if required by local fire officials. In addition, fire lanes at least 25 feet wide must be maintained around each stockpile, and a berm no less than 12 inches in height must surround each stockpile to contain pyrolitic oils or other liquids resultant to firefighting. Further, the storage facility must have equipment, cover material and other supplies, including water, sufficient to control a fire until the nearest fire company capable of extinguishing the fire arrives.

If stored indoors, the storage facility must comply with the Standards for Storage of Rubber Tires, N.F.P.A. 231D, 1994 edition, as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association.

Whether stored indoors or outdoors, precautions must be taken to prohibit the establishment of a habitat for breeding mosquito populations. Limit the size of tire piles and ship tires off-site as soon as you accumulate a full load. Collecting tires in a trailer keeps them dry and ready for prompt shipping without additional handling. If tires must be stored outside, covering the pile with plastic will help to minimize the collection of water.

Transportation. The transportation of tires, either whole or chipped, must occur safely and in a manner that prevents blowing or falling debris.

Disposal. Tires must be disposed of at an authorized facility or by landfilling at an authorized facility. Landfilling is the least preferred option for managing scrap tires. However, when landfilled, tires must first be quartered, split or shredded to reduce the potential for the tires to resurface.

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

New Hampshire Scrap 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.

1. How many tires are stored? Store as few tires as possible and minimize on-site tire piles. Be sure tire piles are accessible to fire and emergency vehicles.

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 more information, contact the New Hampshire DES Waste Management Division at
   603-271-2900.
2. To report a spill or leak during business hours, call the DES at 603-271-3899. If after hours or the weekend, call the New Hampshire State Police Hazardous Material Response at 800-346-4009 (in-state), or 603-271-3636 (out-of-state).
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office or link to the DES Public Information Center.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

1. New Hampshire Scrap Tire Management

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