ECAR Fact Sheet for Texas
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

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 them properly.

Regulations

Scrap tires must be managed to prevent fires and control disease vectors (mosquitos, rats, and snakes). Anyone who stores more than 500 scrap tires must register with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ); however, the scrap tire rules apply to all generators and handlers, regardless of whether or not they are registered. Auto recycling operations/salvage yards are considered to be scrap tire generators.

Good reusable tires are not considered to be scrap tires if they are stacked, sorted, classified, and arranged in an organized manner for sale. Good used tires that are stored in stockpiles are scrap tires. Scrap tires must be hauled by a registered transporter to an authorized facility, either a permitted landfill or a scrap tire facility.

Scrap Tire Management. Generators may not store more than 500 scrap tires on the ground. Generators who register with the TCEQ may store up to 2,000 tires in a trailer. A state sales tax identification number is required for registration. The state comptroller answers tax questions at 1-800-252-5555.

Generators must:

• Monitor tires stored outside for vectors at least once every two weeks.
• Stack, sort, classify, and arrange good used tires in an organized manner for sale.
• Document the removal of all scrap tires using manifests, work orders, invoices or other records.
• Allow only registered scrap tire transporters to remove their scrap tires.
• Ensure that the transporter who collects the tires delivers them to an authorized facility.
• Still comply with all manifesting requirements if transporting their own scrap tires without registration.

There are no state fees required for scrap tire management. Generators may charge customers any amount for disposal or may include the cost in the price of the tires purchased. Fees for removal are negotiated between generators and transporters.

Recordkeeping. All facilities must keep manifest records showing the nature of scrap tires. The manifest is simply a cradle-to-grave record of the nature of each load of scrap tires removed from a generator site. The generator and every facility handling the tires must keep a copy of the manifest for each load. The generator completes and signs the first section of the manifest showing how many tires were picked up. The transporter signs the manifest and leaves a copy with the generator. When the tires are delivered to a permitted landfill or an authorized scrap tire facility, the final sections of the manifest are completed showing how many tires were disposed of at the facility.

The completed manifest must be returned to the generator within 60 days after the scrap tires were transported off site. The generator should notify the regional office of any transporter or authorized scrap tire facility that fails to complete the manifest, alters the generator portion of the manifest, or does not return the manifest within three months after the off-site transportation. Originals of manifests, work orders, invoices, or other documentation must be retained by all facilities for a period of three years. All such records must be made available to the executive director upon request.

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

State of Texas Requirements for Management of Used or Scrap Tires

Application for Scrap Tire Management Registration

Scrap Tire Manifest Form

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they he or she checks 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 transporter has a valid state permit as a scrap tire transporter. Also, make sure the tires are being taken to an authorized recycler or disposal facility.
2. How many tires are stored? Generators may not store more than 500 scrap tires on the ground. Generators who register with the TCEQ may store up to 2,000 tires in a trailer.
3. Have you kept manifest records for all tire loads? All facilities must keep a cradle-to-grave record of the nature of each load of scrap tires removed from a generator site. The generator and every facility handling the tires must keep a copy of the manifest for each load.

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.
• Store waste tires in a sunny area to allow evaporation of standing water and to kill heat-intolerant mosquito larvae.
• 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 TCEQ's Registration, Review & Reporting Office at 512-239-2106.
2. For general questions, contact the TCEQ Regional Office nearest you.
3. To report a spill/release or other pollution emergencies, contact the Emergency 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-832-8224.
4. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact 1-888-777-3186.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

None.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Scrap Tire Recycling
   
2. Guidance for Project Involving Beneficial Use of Scrap Tires (TCEQ-10302)

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