City of Houston Scrap Tire Program FAQ
On October 21, 2015, City Council unanimously approved the Scrap Tire Ordinance due to an immediate need to alleviate the environmental dangers posed by the numerous illegal tire piles within Houston. Reducing and eliminating the illegal dumping of tires will positively affect neighborhoods and city services. The ordinance became effective January 1, 2016.
The Scrap Tire Ordinance is in the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 39, Article VIII relating to Storage, Transportation and Disposal of Tires. All businesses that are involved in the used/scrap tire business will be required to register and/or obtain a permit annually with the City of Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the scrap tire program?
The purpose of the Scrap Tire Program is to register scrap tire generators and transporters in the City of Houston to ensure the appropriate storage, accurate record keeping, safe transportation and proper disposal of used and scrap tires.
2. How will the scrap tire program benefit residents of Houston?
The scrap tire program will help decrease illegal dumping practices, reduce the number of breeding grounds for mosquitos and rodents that carry disease, deter unregistered tire transporters and require more accountability from scrap tire generators to properly maintain records of used or scrap tires.
3. When did the ordinance become effective?
On October 21, 2015, City Council unanimously approved the Scrap Tire Ordinance. The ordinance is in the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 39, Article VIII relating to Storage, Transportation and Disposal of Tires. All businesses that are involved in the used/scrap tire business will be required to register and/or obtain a permit annually with the City of Houston. The ordinance became effective January 1, 2016.
4. What type of businesses will this program affect?
Any business or establishment where 100 or more scrap tires per year are collected, repaired, processed, recycled, scrapped, sold, bought or stored will be regulated by the new ordinance.
5. What businesses are exempted from registering?
The new ordinance does not apply to any business or establishment owned or operated by a government entity.
6. What is the penalty for violation of the ordinance?
Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor that shall be punishable by a fine not less than $250.00 nor more than $2,000.00 and each day the any violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
7. Will the open storage of tires be considered a nuisance?
Yes. It shall be unlawful for any person to store any tire in the city in such a manner that the tire is exposed to the elements of nature, and this action is hereby declared a nuisance, subject to abatement at the expense of the owner of the premises where the tire is stored.
8. How can I recycle my old tires?
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| Scrap Tire Problems
Over 24 million scrap tires are discarded in Texas every year. It costs the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department $1 million annually to collect and dispose of illegally dumped tires.
Scrap Tires – A Risk to Public Health and the Environment
Scrap tires exposed to the elements can:
- Provide good living conditions for mosquitoes that can spread diseases such as Encephalitis, West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
- Provide breeding grounds for rats, snakes, ticks and other vectors.
- Become a fire hazard since tire fires are difficult to extinguish.
- Could release dangerous contaminants into the air, water and soil.
How You Can Help Reduce Scrap Tire Problems
Purchase retreaded tires!
Properly maintain tires! This extends wear and increases the chance that your tires can be retreaded. Some helpful tips are:
- Keep tires inflated at the recommended inflation level. Under inflation can waste up to 5% of a car's fuel.
- Repair punctures, maintain alignment, and rotate tires every 6,000 - 8,000 miles.
If you have a tire swing or dock tire bumpers, puncture holes in the tires so they won't hold water. This will help deter mosquito breeding grounds and prevent water accumulation in tires.
For more information on the Scrap Tire Program, please call SWD-Tires at 832-393-0460.
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