{"AmendmentNumber":"320","ParentBillNumber":"H5562","Bill":null,"Sponsor":{"Id":"ALS1","Name":"Aaron L. Saunders","Type":1,"Details":"https://malegislature.gov/api/GeneralCourts/194/LegislativeMembers/ALS1","ResponseDate":"2026-07-06T15:39:54.14"},"Category":null,"Action":"Consolidated","RollCall":[],"Title":"Waste Tire Management and Recycling Program","Branch":"House","RedraftNumber":null,"IsFurther":false,"GeneralCourtNumber":194,"Text":"Mr. Saunders of Belchertown moves to amend the bill by inserting the following section: \r\n\r\n“Section XX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of environmental protection shall establish a waste tire management and recycling program.\r\n(a) The department shall review and update its guidance, policies, and best management practices for the collection, transportation, storage, processing, recycling, reuse, and disposal of waste tires within the commonwealth. Such updated best management practices shall promote the proper handling of waste tires, reduce illegal dumping, protect public health and the environment, and support beneficial reuse and recycling opportunities.\r\n(b) The department shall establish and administer a statewide waste tire management program to provide for the safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective collection and disposition of waste tires generated within the commonwealth. The program shall include, but not be limited to:\r\n(i) strategies to increase access to convenient and affordable waste tire collection opportunities for residents, municipalities, and businesses;\r\n(ii) recommendations for reducing illegal dumping and the accumulation of abandoned waste tires, including opportunities for coordination with municipalities and regional solid waste programs;\r\n(iii) standards and best practices for waste tire storage, transportation, processing, recycling, and end-market development;\r\n(iv) identification of opportunities to expand the beneficial reuse of waste tires, including, but not limited to, recycling, manufacturing applications, civil engineering uses, and other environmentally protective uses consistent with applicable laws and regulations;\r\n(v) an evaluation of funding mechanisms and program models utilized by other states, including tire stewardship programs, manufacturer responsibility programs, advance recycling fees, grant programs, or other sustainable funding sources;\r\n(vi) recommendations for data collection, tracking, and reporting requirements necessary to evaluate waste tire generation, management, recycling rates, and disposal practices in the commonwealth; and\r\n(vii) any statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes necessary to implement and maintain an effective statewide waste tire management program.\r\n(c) In developing the updated best management practices and statewide waste tire management program, the department shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to:\r\n(i) municipal officials and regional solid waste management representatives;\r\n(ii) tire retailers, automobile dealers, and automotive repair businesses;\r\n(iii) waste tire collectors, processors, recyclers, and solid waste management companies;\r\n(iv) environmental organizations;\r\n(v) manufacturers utilizing recycled tire materials;\r\n(vi) public health officials; and\r\n(vii) any other stakeholders deemed appropriate by the department.\r\n(d) Not later than December 31, 2027, the department shall file a report detailing the updated best management practices, proposed statewide waste tire management program, findings, and recommendations with the clerks of the house of representatives and senate, the joint committee on environment and natural resources, and the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy. The report shall include any proposed legislation or regulatory changes necessary to implement the program.\r\n(e) For the purposes of this section, “waste tire” shall mean a tire that is no longer suitable for its original intended purpose because of wear, damage, defect, or other condition and that has been discarded or is intended for recycling, reuse, processing, or disposal.”\r\n\r\n"}