BILL NUMBER: S7553
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the state finance
law, in relation to establishing extended producer responsibility for
tires
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would require producers of tires to be responsible for
collecting and recycling their products sold in New York in a manner
that is cost effective, environmentally responsible, and convenient for
consumers.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends article 27 of the environmental conserva-
tion law by adding a new title 34 requiring producers of tires to
provide for the collection and recycling of their products.
Section 27-3401 of the new title sets forth definitions.
Section 27-3403 of the new title sets forth a disposal ban of tires.
Section 27-3405 of the new title requires producers of tires sold in the
state to submit collection plans for the approval of the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Section 27-3407 of the new title specifies the responsibilities of
producers.
Section 27-3409 of the new title specifies the responsibilities of
retailers.
Section 27-3411 of the new title specifies the responsibilities of DEC.
Section 27-3413 of the new title establishes the tire stewardship advi-
sory board.
Section 27-3415 of the new title specifies post-consumer requirements.
Section 27-3417 of the new title provides for penalties for failure to
comply.
Section 27-3419 of the new title provides rules and regulations.
Section two of the bill amends the state finance law by establishing the
tire extended producer responsibility fund.
Section three of the bill provides for the applicability of new title
34.
Section four of the bill extends the waste tire management fee.
Section five of the bill sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The improper disposal of used tires has severe environmental conse-
quences, including pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and
the risk of uncontrolled fires that release toxic chemicals into the
air. While New York state currently operates a tire management program
under the Waste Tire Management and Recycling Act-which funded the
cleanup of millions of illegally dumped tires and established require-
ments for tire storage and disposal-this program places primary respon-
sibility on retailers, consumers, and public agencies. The current
program does not sufficiently incentivize tire manufacturers to take
responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products.
An extended producer responsibility (EPR) program would shift that
responsibility to the producers, requiring tire manufacturers to manage
the entire lifecycle of their products. This would ensure that tires are
systematically collected, recycled, and repurposed, rather than accumu-
lating in landfills or illegal dumping sites. By holding produceres
accountable, an EPR approach closes the loop on tire waste, promotes
responsible disposal and material recovery while reducing environmental
degradation, conserving resources, and limiting the harmful effects on
our ecosystems and public health.
Implementing an EPR program for tires would also foster a circular econ-
omy by transforming waste into valuable resources. Recycled tires can be
repurposed into consumer products, reducing reliance on virgin raw mate-
rials and lowering the environmental impact of new tire production.
Unlike the current model, an EPR framework creates a structured and
sustainable system for tire recovery by creating a structured system for
tire recovery and reuse, an EPR program would encourage sustainable
product design, minimize waste, and align with global efforts to promote
environmental responsibility.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal to the state, with the expectation that costs will be fully
covered by fees generated by the program.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7553: 71-1701 environmental conservation law