ECAR Fact Sheet for Ohio
Waste Tires

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR

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

Disposal of scrap tires is one of the biggest solid waste issues facing automotive recyclers. Scrap tires pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. Scrap tire piles provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which may cause disease, and they also present a serious fire hazard.

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

Regulations

Ohio EPA has regulations in place for businesses that handle scrap tires. These regulations are found in Chapter 3745-27 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). As a motor vehicle salvage business, you could be subject to these regulations if you generate, store or transport scrap tires. Tires that are removed from vehicles (both those on and off rims) are defined as scrap tires. A tire that is still on a vehicle is not defined as a scrap tire.

If you store scrap tires at your salvage yard, you may be required to register your business and get a storage license from Ohio EPA. Whether or not you need to register and get a license depends on factors such as the size of the storage area and whether tires are processed on-site or accepted from other businesses. There are fees associated with scrap tire registration and licensing.

Ohio's scrap tire regulations also outline the procedures that you must follow to ensure that scrap tires do not pose a health or fire hazard. For outdoor piles, these requirements include covering tire piles and having adequate mosquito control measures. All tires must also be stored safely to prevent fires, with adequate aisle space and protection from sources of ignition.

If you transport scrap tires, you may be subject to Ohio EPA's transporter requirements and may need to register as a scrap tire transporter. Whether you need to register depends on how many tires are transported in a load. The transporter requirements also include completing shipping papers and obtaining financial assurance.

Finally, you can dispose of or recycle scrap tires only at facilities that have been approved by Ohio EPA. Contact Ohio's Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management for more information on scrap tire requirements. In some areas, the local health department may be responsible for information and assistance.

Removal. Old tires can be recycled or disposed of by contracting for removal with a registered scrap tire hauler or registering yourself as a hauler and taking them to a registered facility that will process the tire for reuse.

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

Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-27 relating to Scrap Tire Management

Ohio EPA Scrap Tire Management Program

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 scrap tire storage areas and management procedures.

1. Where are scrap tires transported for disposal/recycling? Make sure your hauler has a valid state permit as a scrap tire hauler. Also, make sure the tires are being taken to an authorized recycler or disposal facility.
2. How many tires are stored? Verify whether your facility falls under the state requirements for registration and other rules.

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 scrap tire storage areas and management procedures.

• Store as few scrap tires as possible at your facility.
• Schedule regular pickup for scrap tires by a properly permitted hauler.
• Keep tires stored indoors, if possible, or keep tire piles covered in order to prevent entrapment of water.
• If scrap tires cannot be processed in a timely manner, leave scrap tires on the rims to avoid problems with mosquitoes until the scrap tires can be managed properly.
• Do not burn or bury scrap tires.

Contacts

1. For more information on tire recycling and scrap tire regulations, contact the Ohio EPA's Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management at 614-644-2621.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Scrap Tire Management Program
2. Environmental Permitting Guide in Ohio

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR