Vermont Senate Bill S0273

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24

Caption

An act relating to the collection and recycling of waste motor vehicle tires

Impact

One of the significant impacts of S0273 on state laws is its emphasis on creating clear responsibilities for manufacturers regarding waste tire management. Manufacturers who produce or sell motor vehicle tires will need to register their stewardship plans with the Secretary of Natural Resources by specific deadlines. Failure to comply with these regulations will expose manufacturers to civil penalties based on their stewardship performance in meeting collection goals. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for educational outreach to the public and incentivizes participation from retailers and municipalities in tire collection efforts, aligning them with state environmental goals.

Summary

S0273, also known as the Waste Motor Vehicle Tire Stewardship Act, aims to establish a comprehensive extended producer responsibility program specifically focused on the collection and recycling of waste motor vehicle tires in Vermont. The bill outlines a systematic approach where manufacturers and waste tire stewardship organizations are mandated to design, implement, and maintain stewardship plans that promote the environmentally sound management of waste tires. The legislation requires free collection opportunities for covered entities and aims to facilitate the proper disposal and recycling of abandoned and waste tire piles.

Contention

Notably, points of contention surrounding S0273 include concerns from some manufacturers about the financial implications of participating in the stewardship program, specifically the annual operating fees and penalties for not meeting collection performance targets. This is compounded by discussions on the effectiveness of the stewardship programs in actual practices of waste tires management and whether they could potentially impose additional burdens on smaller manufacturers or create barriers to market entry. The debate highlights the balance between facilitating environmental responsibility and mitigating economic impacts on businesses within the tire industry.