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EPA releases Scrap Tire Cleanup Guidebook

Release Date: 06/08/2006
Contact Information: Kären Thompson, (312) 353-8547, thompson.karen@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA94

(CHICAGO - June 8, 2006) In an effort to reduce scrap tire piles around the country, EPA and the state of Illinois have created the Scrap Tire Cleanup Guidebook, A Resource for Solid Waste Managers Across the United States.

It is estimated that more than 290 million tires are scrapped each year in the United States. While 80 per cent are being reused, millions have been accumulating in stockpiles over the past several decades.

The new "how-to" guidebook, written for tire manufacturers, state and local government, regulators, auto recyclers and collectors, contains practical solutions including:

• Examples of scrap tire cleanup programs and funding
• Legal considerations and property issues
• Cost recovery
• Local and regional markets for scrap tires
• Cleanup planning
• Selecting contractors
• Project management

Large scrap tire stockpiles present a risk to human health and the environment for several reasons. They provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which carry and transmit life-threatening diseases such as encephalitis, West Nile and Eastern Equine virus, and dengue fever in some regions.

Stockpiles can also catch on fire as a result of lightning strikes, equipment malfunctions or arson. State, federal and local agencies have spent tens of millions of dollars over the past few decades responding to tire fires.

The guidebook is rich with case studies highlighting many success stories. It can be found at www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/tires/guidance. In addition to the guidebook, many resources are available to those tackling a scrap tire problem, including presentations from several scrap tire forums, information on technical issues concerning scrap tires, and end-use markets. See epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/tires/index.htm

For more information see:

Scrap Tire Cleanup Guidebook at epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/tires/guidance
Scrap Tires in Region 5 at epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/tires/index.htm