California plans to boost its tyre-recycling rate by pushing for legislation with US Tire Manufacturers’ Association (USTMA) support. A Bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Jim Frazier, would change the current state tyre recycling grant program into an incentive program to help expand the use of tyre-derived material. The measure also includes a provision to give CalRecycle, the state scrap tyre regulatory agency, authority to impose an additional tyre fee on tyre dealers to cover programme administrative costs.
Bill Passes First Stage
USTMA successfully sought changes to the measure. One change would force CalRecycle to spend a substantial portion of the current $70 million surplus in the Waste Tire Fund before imposing a new fee. Another would require the agency to thoroughly document and report how the incentive program is improving tyre-recycling rates. Finally, USTMA and Assembly Member Frazier worked together to increase the amount of state funding from CalRecycle for rubber modified asphalt projects.
The Bill passed the state Assembly in May and is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee. The California Legislature adjourns in early September.
