The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced the release of the first triennial report on the effectiveness of Michigan's Scrap Tire Program.  The report shows that the program has had a high level of success throughout the state in decreasing stockpiles of scrap tires, increasing compliance rates at scrap tire sites, and improving the reuse markets for scrap tires.

Behind the program's success to date is the ongoing Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant Program which addresses abandoned scrap tire sites, as well as inspection and enforcement actions at existing scrap tire sites to ensure a level playing field for those meeting the requirements of Michigan's scrap tire law.

Unregulated management of scrap tires led to an estimated 30 million tires stockpiled throughout Michigan by 1991.  Since Michigan's Legislature first appropriated funding in 1993, the Scrap Tire Program has facilitated the cleanup of approximately 31.1 million Passenger Tire Equivalents (PTEs) through Scrap Tire Cleanup Grants, restoring the environmental quality and economic value of more than 1,000 sites across the state.  It is estimated that at least another 1 million PTEs will be removed during the fiscal year 2010 grant cycle.

As a result of the Scrap Tire Cleanup Grants and DNRE efforts to ensure compliance with storage requirements, a large and continuing supply of scrap tires has become available for use in the marketplace.  This supply has increased Michigan scrap tire market capacity from less than 3 million to over 18.5 million PTEs per year which are reused for a number of purposes including tire-derived fuel for the generation of electricity, daily cover and liner protection in landfills, and other products such as mulch and playground material.

Michigan's Scrap Tire Program is funded by a tire disposal surcharge of $1.50 on each motor vehicle certificate of title issued, and is collected by the Secretary of State.  The fee generates revenue of $3.5 to $4 million per year which provides funding for Scrap Tire Cleanup and Market Development Grants, along with administration of the program.

At current cleanup rates, it is likely that the remaining known stockpiles of scrap tires could be cleaned up by the funding sunset date of December 31, 2012.  However, ongoing monitoring and enforcement activities will remain needed to prevent the creation of new, unmanaged stockpiles.  Continued administration and enforcement under the program are also necessary to ensure that market prices for the beneficial uses of scrap tires are not undercut by the lower costs of unmanaged storage.

To receive a copy of the report, contact the DNRE, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, Storage Tank and Solid Waste Section, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909‑7741, at 517‑241‑2924; or download the report from the DNRE Web site at: http://tiny.cc/MSLHz

The DNRE is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations.

Editor's note:  DNRE environmental news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.