Waste Tires

ECAR Fact Sheet for Oregon
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

Waste tires can be a prime-breeding source for mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the West Nile Virus. The West Nile Virus is a viral disease that can cause encephalitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord. Uncovered waste tires can accumulate pools of water where adult mosquitoes may lay eggs. One tire can generate thousands of mosquitoes over the course of a breeding season.

In addition to being prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes, waste tires may also present a significant risk to public health and the environment should a pile of tires catch fire. Tires are highly combustible.

Removing and properly disposing of waste tires will help to ensure that large piles of tires do not accumulate at the facility, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and lessening the facility's chance of a fire and resulting cleanup.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage waste tires. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to DEQ's fact sheet under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

The Oregon DEQ defines waste tires as "a tire that is no longer suitable for its original intended purpose because of wear, damage or defect." In addition, the DEQ includes in this definition "recappable casings." Tires both on and off rims can be considered waste tires. However, a used tire which can be resold for use as a tire on a vehicle, is NOT a waste tire.

Below is a summary of the requirements that apply to auto recyclers who store waste tires.

Permitting Requirements: Auto recyclers that store less than 1,500 waste tires are not required to have a waste tire storage permit.

Storage. Waste tire storage sites cannot be constructed or operated in a wetland, waterway, floodway, 25-year floodplain, or any area where it may be subjected to submersion in water.

Indoor Storage. Waste tires stored indoors shall be stored under conditions that meet those in "The Standard for Storage of Rubber Tires, NFPA 231D-1986 edition," adopted by the National Fire Protection Association.

Outdoor Storage. If you store waste tires outdoors, you must meet the following standards:

An outdoor waste tire pile shall have no greater than the following maximum dimensions: Width: 50 feet; Area: 15,000 square feet; Height: 6 feet.
A 50-foot fire lane shall be placed around the perimeter of each waste fire pile. Access to the fire lane for emergency vehicles must be unobstructed at all times.
Waste tire piles shall be located at least 60 feet from buildings.
Waste tires to be stored for one month or longer shall be ricked, unless the DEQ waives this requirement.
Operate and maintain the site in a manner which controls mosquitoes and rodents if the site is likely to become a public nuisance or health hazard and is close to residential areas.
A sign shall be posted at the entrance of the storage site stating operating hours, cost of disposal and site rules if the site receives tires from persons other than the operator of the site.
No operations involving the use of open flames or blow torches shall be conducted within 25 feet of a waste tire pile.
An approach and access road to the waste tire storage site shall be maintained passable for any vehicle at all times. Access to the site shall be controlled through the use of fences, gates, or other means of controlling access.
If required by the DEQ, the site shall be screened from public view.
An attendant shall be present at all times the waste tire storage site is open for business, if the site receives tires from persons other than the operator of the site.
The site shall be bermed or given other adequate protection if necessary to keep any liquid runoff from potential tire fires from entering waterways.
If pyrolytic oil is released at the waste tire storage site, remove contaminated soil in accordance with applicable rules governing the removal, transportation and disposal of the material.

Tire Fences. In the case of tire fences, the following are also required:

For vector control, you must drill a two-inch hole into each quadrant of the downside of each tire used in the fence, or fill each individual waste tire with dirt, or follow another treatment approved in advance by the DEQ.
A 20-foot fire lane shall be maintained on land under control of the businesses along the entire length of the tire fence. Access to the fire lane for emergency vehicles must be unobstructed and clear of vegetation at all times.
Weeds shall not be allowed to grow on or over the tire fence.
A tire fence shall not be constructed wider than one tire width.

Recording Keeping. You are required to keep a record of the hauler you are using and how many waste tires they haul for you. You must keep tire disposal receipts for at least two years.

Transportation. You can haul tires that accumulate at your business to a DEQ authorized facility, or, if out of state, by that state or local government.

Disposal. Solid waste disposal sites cannot accept whole waste tires for disposal. Tires that have been chipped or shredded to DEQ's specifications can be landfilled.

Many tire businesses and solid waste disposal sites will accept waste tires (for a fee).

Manufacturing firms may accept waste tires at no charge if you have the kind of tires they use.

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

Oregon Waste Tire Management Regulations

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.

How many tires are stored? Make sure you do not accumulate more than 1,500 waste tires.

Are your waste tires stored properly? Make sure your indoor storage of waste tires complies with National Fire Protection Association requirements, and that outdoor storage complies with specified state regulations.

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 by a properly DEM permitted hauler.
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

For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 503-229-5696 or 800-452-4011 (toll-free in Oregon).
To report a spill or leak, contact the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) at 800-452-0311.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

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