Connecticut Tire Stewardship has presented an update on the state’s new end-of-life tire management program, describing its role in expanding free tire disposal options for residents, reducing municipal costs and improving tire recycling outcomes statewide. The nonprofit organization was created in response to Connecticut’s extended producer responsibility law for tires, which was passed in 2023 and amended in 2024. According to the June 2026 presentation, hundreds of thousands of tires reach the end of their useful life in Connecticut each year, creating risks related to illegal dumping, fire hazards, mosquito breeding and costly cleanups when they are not properly managed. The program is intended to shift more used tires into organized collection, disposal and recycling channels while supporting circular economy uses such as retreading, tire-derived aggregate, road infrastructure applications and commercial products made from recycled tire materials.

Connecticut program built around extended producer responsibility

Connecticut Tire Stewardship, also known as CTS, is a nonprofit organization approved by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as a Tire Stewardship Organization. The organization said its tire stewardship plan was approved on September 22, 2025, and the program launched on March 21, 2026. As of the June 23, 2026 presentation, CTS was three months into the program and working to build a statewide system that covers the cost of tire collection, disposal and recycling for participating locations.

Program aims to reduce municipal tire management burdens

The presentation said the program is designed to help Connecticut residents access free disposal options for end-of-life tires while reducing the cost burden on municipalities. Improperly managed tires can lead to illegal dumping, cleanup expenses, fire risk and public health concerns, including mosquito breeding in tires that hold standing water. CTS said its approach can reduce municipal costs for tire collection, hauling and disposal, freeing local budgets for other priorities while improving convenience for residents and site management for transfer stations.

Collection network includes municipal transfer stations

CTS reported that its municipal transfer station collection network included 23 active collection sites as of the June 2026 update. The presentation also listed seven sites receiving hauler assignments during the week of the meeting, three sites ready for the next assignment round and 11 sites finalizing agreements or registration. The organization said enrollment and registration are handled through a portal used to track collected tires and tonnage and to support compensation for haulers and processors.

Municipal enrollment involves registration and agreements

The municipal registration process includes enrollment, an agreement and hauler assignment. The enrollment portal is used to register a site and track tire collection data through RLG Gateway and ReverseFlow. CTS said covered entities must sign an agreement outlining program requirements and obligations, typically through municipal leadership, public works departments or procurement offices. After onboarding, CTS notifies sites of their hauler assignment and explains how to request a tire collection.

CTS seeks to work within existing tire markets

The presentation noted that tires are already part of an established disposal and recycling market with a complex collection network and different value perceptions based on tire quality and type. CTS said it is not seeking to unnecessarily disrupt the existing market. Instead, the organization is working to improve outcomes by covering approved collection, disposal and recycling costs while supporting the flow of end-of-life tires into appropriate recycling and recovery channels.

Municipal questions address acceptance and ordering

CTS also addressed common questions from municipalities. According to the presentation, municipal sites do not have to accept tires from anyone seeking disposal. The program also indicated that municipalities do not have to refuse tires on rims or tires that are not passenger or light truck size. CTS said participating sites do have to enter an order through its system. The presentation also raised questions about why the program does not use a single designated hauler and whether retailer legislation affected the program timeline.

Benefits include cost savings, outreach and reporting

CTS said the program can reduce staff time spent on collection logistics while improving service for residents. It also aims to expand free and convenient disposal options, which may reduce incentives for illegal dumping. The organization said the program can improve recycling outcomes and reduce environmental and public health risks associated with improperly handled tires. CTS also provides outreach materials and statewide reporting data to support local education, planning and enforcement, including the collection of illegal dumping occurrence details.

End-of-life tires described as circular economy resource

The presentation described end-of-life tires as a valuable resource rather than only a disposal challenge. Tires can be retreaded, used in road infrastructure, processed into tire-derived aggregate or converted into everyday commercial products such as mats, garbage cans, flooring tiles and automotive parts. These applications can support tire recycling, rubber recycling and broader sustainability goals by keeping recovered tire materials in productive use.

Partnership with municipalities remains central

CTS said realizing the full potential of the program will depend on municipal participation and support. The organization invited municipalities to contact its registration team for enrollment materials and agreement review. The program represents a new tire stewardship model for Connecticut communities, with the stated goal of improving end-of-life tire management through coordinated collection, recycling, reporting and outreach.

Article source: The Connecticut Government Portal.