EPA Proposes Plan to Tackle Abandoned Tire Piles, Expand Use as Alternative Fuel

According to a proposal released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency is seeking to accelerate the cleanup of millions of abandoned scrap tires across the United States while enabling their use as an alternative fuel source. The initiative aims to address long-standing environmental and public health risks associated with tire stockpiles, while also supporting resource recovery.

The proposal targets an estimated 48 million abandoned scrap tires located across at least 23 states and Tribal lands. These tire piles pose multiple hazards, including fire risks and serving as breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests. By facilitating faster removal and reuse, the EPA aims to reduce these risks and improve community safety.

A central element of the proposal is to allow whole scrap tires to be used as non-waste fuel in cement kilns. Under current regulatory frameworks, certain restrictions limit how scrap tires can be classified and utilized. The proposed changes would streamline these rules, enabling established tire collection programs to manage scrap tires destined for fuel use under a unified approach.

The EPA said this regulatory adjustment could help accelerate the cleanup of legacy tire piles by creating additional end-use markets. Using scrap tires as fuel in industrial processes such as cement production is already practiced in some regions, as tires can provide a high-energy substitute for traditional fossil fuels.

The proposal also reflects a broader policy focus on resource recovery and energy utilization. By reclassifying certain scrap tire streams, the agency aims to unlock their potential as an energy source while reducing environmental liabilities associated with long-term storage or illegal dumping.

In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to support local cleanup efforts and reduce visual and land-use impacts caused by large tire stockpiles. Abandoned tire sites have long been a challenge for regulators due to the cost and logistical complexity of removal and disposal.

The EPA is inviting public comments on the proposal over a 60-day period, with submissions accepted through May 22, 2026. Feedback from industry stakeholders, state agencies, and the public will inform the final rulemaking process.

The move comes amid increasing attention to waste-to-energy pathways and the role of alternative fuels in industrial decarbonization strategies. While the use of scrap tires as fuel remains subject to environmental scrutiny, proponents argue that it can provide a practical solution for managing difficult waste streams.

Source: EPA

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The EPA’s proposal signals a push to turn abandoned tire waste into a usable energy resource while accelerating cleanup of long-standing environmental hazards.