Bill S.177, introduced by Senator White, establishes an extended producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of waste motor vehicle tires in Vermont by creating a new Chapter 169 in the Vermont Statutes Annotated. The bill defines key terms such as "manufacturer," "waste tire," and "waste tire stewardship organization," and mandates that manufacturers and stewardship organizations implement an approved waste tire stewardship plan by January 1, 2028. Key provisions include prohibiting tire sales unless manufacturers are part of a registered stewardship organization, ensuring free collection of waste tires, and setting performance goals for recycling at least 50% of collected tires. The bill also emphasizes compliance with environmental standards and mandates educational outreach to inform the public about the program.

Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for non-compliance with collection rate performance goals and establishes a framework for reimbursement of costs incurred in collecting waste tires. It allows civil actions against manufacturers not participating in an approved stewardship plan while protecting those involved in multi-manufacturer plans from individual lawsuits. The Secretary of Natural Resources is tasked with overseeing compliance and approving stewardship plans, while the bill introduces amendments to existing laws regarding waste tire management and disposal. It also ensures confidentiality of submitted data and establishes an annual fee for manufacturers and stewardship organizations under the stewardship plan. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-8003, 10-8503, 24-2201