Rep. Callahan Raises Concerns Over ‘Tire Stewardship Program’

Hartford—State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108) voted against An Act Concerning Extended Producer Responsibility for Tires, creating a stewardship program to oversee the collection and recycling of used tires.

As Ranking Member of the Environment Committee, I questioned the proposed changes included in the bill. Currently, retailers charge about a $5 fee to customers to accept and dispose of old tires.

“While I support the goal of preventing illegal dumping, that’s already against the laws of the State of Connecticut. Illegal dumping is not only an eyesore, but also created a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the possibility of West Nile Virus. Tires have one of the highest recycling rates in Connecticut compared to any other recyclable material so while illegal dumping is a problem, it’s a small percentage of tires, which are illegally dumped by bad actors,” said Callahan.

HB 6486 allows the DEEP commissioner to civilly enforce the program’s requirements.

“This bill makes strides in the right direction but appears to be transferring the responsibility to the manufacturer because of illegal dumping. This seems to be a solution in search of a problem,” said Callahan.

The program is modeled after mattress, paint, and electronics stewardship programs in place in the state. The retailers would not be charged for pick and disposal by the stewardship because they would be part of that organization, along with the manufacturers and recyclers. No other states have a tire EPR program in place so Connecticut would be the pilot program. Canada does have a similar program in place.

The bill would also require the Department of Transportation to test more widely using tire-derived asphalt on state highways, in an effort broaden the limited market for recycled tires.

It passed on a vote of 101-43. It now goes to the Senate.

“Should this become law, I look forward to addressing the concerns of the business community to make the PILOT program effective for all stakeholders,” added Callahan.