ECAR Fact Sheet for New Mexico
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

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.

Regulations

This fact sheet is based on New Mexico's existing Tire Recycling Act. It is anticipated that sometime next year, proposed, substantial changes to the Act will be approved. At that time, new regulations and requirements for the management of scrap tires will take effect. Until that time, current scrap tire regulations are in effect.

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) defines a scrap tire as a tire that is no longer suitable for its originally intended purpose, which is to absorb shock and provide traction on a motor vehicle, or is not usable as a casing in a retread tire because of wear, damage or defect.

Permit Requirements. Auto salvage facilities are not required to obtain a permit if they remove tires from motor vehicles in the ordinary course of business, and if no more than five hundred scrap tires are kept on the premises at any one time.

Storage Requirements. Any person who stores scrap tires shall do so in a manner that does not cause a public nuisance or create a potential hazard to public health, welfare or the environment,

Disposal. Scrap tires must be disposed of in a permitted or registered solid waste facility or a permitted tire recycling facility. For a list of eligible facilities, contact the NMED Solid Waste Department.

Transporter Requirements. Scrap tire haulers are required to obtain a general permit that includes:

• The type of equipment to be used to handle and transport the scrap tires.
• Evidence of proper certification and licensing for drivers and vehicles.
• Any other information requested by the Secretary.

Recordkeeping/Reporting. Scrap tire haulers must keep records on the number of passenger tire equivalents (PTEs) or weight of the whole or processed scrap tires for each month, by origin and destination, and the final disposition of the scrap tires not stored or processed.

Records shall be furnished upon request and be made available at reasonable times for inspection by the NMED. Records must be kept during the operational life of the facility and for a period of three years after closure of the facility.

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

New Mexico's Waste Tire Recycling Act (current)

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 required to have a permit? Auto salvage facilities are not required to obtain a permit if they remove tires from motor vehicles in the ordinary course of business, and if no more than five hundred scrap tires are kept on the premises at one time.
2. How many tires are stored? Do not store more than 500 tires at any one time.
3. Are you following scrap tire transport requirements? Scrap tire haulers must be permitted. Ensure that scrap tires are sent to a permitted facility.
4. Are you complying with all recordkeeping requirements? Scrap tire haulers must follow prescribed recordkeeping and record retention requirements.

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

1. For more information, contact the New Mexico Environment Department, Solid Waste Bureau at 505-827-2775.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the New Mexico 24-hour emergency hotline at 505-827-9329. For non-emergencies, call 866-428-6535.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

1. New Mexico - Auto Salvage Guidance Document

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