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Regulations 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 Hazards associated with waste tire piles include heavy mosquito infestations and fires. Waste tires accumulate water, which is a viable environment and ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes not only are nuisances, but also can carry and transmit disease to humans and animals. In addition to being breeding grounds for mosquitoes, waste tires also can be easily ignited, resulting in fires that are difficult to extinguish. Tire fires can burn for several weeks, causing millions of dollars of damage including soil, surface water and groundwater contamination. Since 1992, the state of Pennsylvania has classified waste tires as a residual waste rather than a solid waste. Below is a summary of the residual waste requirements that apply to auto recyclers who store waste tires, either whole or processed. Storage. Pennsylvania’s waste tire regulations do not apply to you if you store less than 500 waste tires in open storage, or if you store less then 1,500 waste tires in enclosed storage (unless the open or enclosed storage threatens or causes harm to the public health, safety, welfare or the environment.) In addition, the regulations may be waived or modified for small piles at the location of waste tire generators. *Waste tires (whole or processed) may not be stored for more than one year. When storing tires at your facility, you must follow the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for Storage for Rubber Tires. Stockpile measurements, fire lane size, storage time limitations, total waste tire site size, restrictions about location of tires and effective emergency management to avoid tire fire hazards are detailed in Section 299.155 of the Pennsylvania Code. Notification. If you plan to store more than 500 tires outdoors or 1500 indoors, you must notify the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by submitting the appropriate DEP form. (A link is included under Links to the Regulations and Forms). The notification must include:
Recording Keeping. If you store whole or processed waste tires, you must submit to DEP an annual operation report on or before June 30 of each year. The report must include:
Transportation. Waste tires must be transported to a processing or disposal facility by a transporter that is certified by DEP. Processing and disposal facilities are not permitted to accept waste tires without this authorization. This is a recent change to the state regulations. Waste tire haulers must maintain a record of waste tires transported weekly. The records must be on an Annual Report form provided by DEP and include authorization number, number of waste tires transported and the company where the waste tires were delivered and disposed of. The records must be maintained for five years and provided to DEP personnel upon request. Disposal. Tires should be sent for recycling or energy recovery as soon as possible. Markets are developing for alternative end uses for rubber. These alternatives include energy recovery at cement, paper/pulp, and utility companies and the making of asphalt rubber. You must send your tires to a DEP-certified waste tire processing or disposal facility. Links to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste tire management. Storage of Whole and Processed Waste Tires (PA Code, Chapter 299, Storage and Transportation of Residual Waste, Section 299.155, Storage of Whole and Processed Waste Tires). DEP Notification Form for Storage of Waste Tires (PA requires you to log in as a guest) 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.
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.
None.
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