Connecticut Perspective on Scrap Tire Management

January 21, 2015

Tom Metzner

Tire Stewardship Dialogue, Hartford, Connecticut

Current State of Tire Management • Tired Derived Fuel Plant in Eastern Connecticut Closed in

2013

• About 3.5 million tires generated in CT in 2013 (DEEP reports)

• Most state tires going to Maine Processor

• Estimated 75% of tires going to TDF for pulp mills in Maine (BDS)

• Illegal Dumping a Significant Problem • 16,000 tires picked up by DOT Jan – Sept 2014 at a cost of $16,000

• No tire tax or fee (tire tax in 1993, repealed in 1997)

• No state dedicated tire program – tires are considered a “special waste” - restrictions on disposal

Goals For Managing Scrap Tires

• Direct tires to recycling markets and away from TDF

• Create private sector recycling jobs in Connecticut

• Virtually end illegal tire dumping

• No tire tax or state funded program

Key Challenges • Getting accurate data on illegal dumping

• Reported tire piles decreasing but illegal dumping not always reported

• The “Tirearchy” • Market signals directing scrap tires to TDF

Extended Producer Responsibility • Key strategy in state solid waste

management plan. • Currently 4 EPR programs

• Electronics • Paint • Thermostats • Mattresses – coming in 2015

• Promotes recycling • Derives economic value from material • Lowers municipal taxes associated with

waste management