What: On March 23, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to revise regulations governing how scrap tires can be recycled.
Why: Scrap tires are tires that have reached the end of their useful life. The EPA estimates there were 264 million end-of-life tires generated in 2023. Of these tires, 207 million were recycled or used as fuel. Tire fuel markets include cement manufacturing, pulp and paper mills, and electric utilities.
Not all scrap tires have been managed appropriately. Some have been placed in open dumps in numerous locations across the country and the resulting piles contribute to the national solid waste management problem due to the threat of fires and because they provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and rodents.
EPA’s proposed rule intends to reduce regulatory barriers to scrap tire recycling. Specifically, the proposal will harmonize requirements for scrap tire recycling with those for tires that have been specifically collected for recycling.
The proposed rule will impact businesses in the cement manufacturing and waste management/remediation sectors. The EPA estimates annual cost savings of $11.6 to $19.2 million from reduced fuel costs, a decrease in tire processing required for tires used as fuel in cement kilns, and lower disposal costs for abandoned tires. The agency also certifies that the proposed rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Action: Read the proposed rule and submit comments before the May 22, 2026, deadline.
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE:
Protecting Public Health and Unleashing American Energy by Facilitating Scrap Tire Pile Cleanups
CONTACT:
Nick Goldstein
EMAIL:
Regulatory Alerts
EPA
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.