Waste Tires

ECAR Fact Sheet for Oklahoma
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

In Oklahoma, waste tires are classified as a "special waste." Special waste means those wastes that are not hazardous wastes but because of their nature or volume,

require special or additional handling aside from that given to routine household refuse. Special wastes may only be accepted for disposal at state-permitted facilities.

The management of waste tires at salvage yards is not specifically regulated under Oklahoma's solid waste regulations. However, you are responsible for the satisfactory storage, collection, and disposal of solid waste. It is your duty to ensure that waste tires are disposed at a site or facility that is permitted to receive the waste.

Transporting/Manifest Requirements for Waste Tires. You must have your waste tires picked up by a permitted transporter. Any person/transporter who transports more than ten used or waste tires over Oklahoma roads to or from destinations within the state must have a manifest documenting the proper disposition of the tires. The manifest must be fully completed and signed by all parties. Designated copies must be given to each waste tire generator, transporter and receiving facility.

Reporting Requirements. Automotive dismantling facilities and parts recyclers must provide a verified statement to the owner/operator of the waste tire facility that collects tires for compensation from them, itemizing by month the number of vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 1996 which were:

Originally licensed in the state of Oklahoma; and
Reported to have been dismantled on the Dismantler's Report filed with the Used Motor Vehicle Commission since the date waste tires were collected from the dismantler/parts recycler's facility.

The waste tire facility must attached this verified statement to the manifest.

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

Oklahoma's Waste Tire Recycling Act

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.

Is a permitted transporter picking up your waste tires? You must have your waste tires picked up by a state-permitted transporter.
Is your transporter using the required manifest? Any person/transporter who transports more than ten used or waste tires over Oklahoma roads to or from destinations within the state must have a manifest documenting the proper disposition of the tires. The manifest must be fully completed and signed by all parties. Designated copies must be given to each waste tire generator, transporter and receiving facility.
Are you complying with the reporting requirements? You must provide a verified statement to the owner/operator of the waste tire facility that collects tires for compensation from you, itemizing by month the number of vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 1996 which were originally licensed in the state of Oklahoma; and reported to have been dismantled on the Dismantler's Report filed with the Used Motor Vehicle Commission since the date waste tires were collected from the dismantler/parts recycler's facility. The waste tire facility must attached this verified statement to the manifest.

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

For more information, contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Land Protection Division at 405-702-5100.
To report a spill or leak, call the DEQ spill reporting hotline at 800-522-0206, or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, file a complaint online at the Environmental Complaints Program Website, or call the 24-hour hotline at 800-522-0206.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

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