Illinois House Bill HR0084

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 6/26/23

Caption

TIRE FUEL/RECYCLING

Impact

The resolution advocates for the establishment of a mandatory recycling requirement, which would dictate a minimum limit of tires that must be recycled annually. This legal requirement is aimed at shifting the burden away from merely selecting the easiest and cheapest disposal option—fuel facilities—to implementing more sustainable recycling practices. By doing so, the resolution seeks stability in tire disposal practices while promoting environmentally-friendly recycling processes.

Summary

House Resolution 0084 aims to address the environmental concerns associated with the disposal of post-consumer use tires in Illinois. The resolution highlights the current practice of burning tires as tire-derived fuel, which, while better than sending them to landfills, poses a similar negative environmental impact as fossil fuels. The ongoing $2.50 tax on tire purchases, with an additional dollar for purchases in Chicago, is designated to facilitate proper tire disposal and ensure that they do not contribute to landfill overflows.

Contention

A potential point of contention arises from the anticipated resistance from companies that may face increased costs in adhering to recycling mandates as opposed to current practices of sending tires to fuel facilities. To mitigate these costs and encourage compliance, the resolution proposes that the state should consider incentives for businesses willing to engage in recycling. Additionally, monitoring and reporting mechanisms would be implemented to ensure compliance with the new recycling standards and to gauge the effectiveness of the waste management changes advocated in the resolution.