According to a recent Virginia Mercury article, Republican Delegate Thomas Garrett's proposed legislation aims to address issues related to tire recycling in Virginia. The bill, which recently passed a House subcommittee, seeks to increase the state's fee on new tire sales to support recycling efforts. Additionally, it mandates tire producers to register with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and utilize licensed haulers for transporting end-of-life tires to approved recycling facilities.

Currently, there are concerns about individuals collecting end-of-life tires for resale and subsequently illegally dumping unsold tires. Garrett's bill intends to tackle this problem by enforcing licensing requirements for all tire haulers and implementing reporting measures to ensure accountability. Violations could result in enforcement actions by the Office of the Attorney General.

Moreover, the proposed legislation includes a provision to raise the tire recycling fee from 50 cents to $2. This increase aims to bolster the funding of DEQ's Waste Tire Trust Fund, which assists individuals with tire disposal costs. Notably, DEQ has been actively involved in tire waste management efforts, having removed millions of end-of-life tires since 1993.

The significance of addressing tire waste is underscored by a study linking tire rubber to a considerable portion of ocean microplastics. While Garrett's bill represents a step forward in combating tire waste, its effectiveness and implementation have raised questions, particularly from stakeholders such as tire store owners.

Despite some reservations, the proposed legislation has garnered support from various sectors, including the Virginia Automotive Association and the Virginia Forestry Association. These groups emphasize the importance of curbing illegal tire dumping and providing assistance to manage tire disposal expenses.

To find out more, proceed to the original article.