Throughout 2024,  ATDA staff has continuously monitored proposed changes by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to Administrative Code Division 335-13, Solid Waste Program Regulations that will impact your business and the tire industry in Alabama. We have attended meetings (both formal and informal), submitted your professional input, and talked with numerous stakeholders throughout the process. After considering feedback from ATDA and all other parties affected, the Environmental Management Commission approved amendments to the original proposed changes at their last meeting. ADEM has now released the final regulation changes to Administrative Code Division 335-13, Solid Waste Program Regulations (Rule 335-13-1-.21). The rule will become effective on December 15, 2024, and all affected entities must be in compliance by January 1, 2028. Here is a brief excerpt of the changes:

• (i) Except as provided in paragraph 1. below, a landfill shall not dispose of whole tires after December 31, 2027. Whole tires shall at a minimum be shredded or cut into thirds or smaller pieces prior to disposal.

1. Incidental whole tires received in loads of solid waste may be disposed, provided the whole tires constitute a de minimis portion of the overall load of waste.
2. "De minimis" refers to a small amount of material or number of items, as applicable, commingled and incidentally disposed of with other solid waste.

Click here to view the complete amendment to Rule 335-13-4-.21

Thank you for being engaged, attending meetings, and providing feedback and information.  We ask that you remain energized and involved, as ATDA will host a meeting early in 2025 to gather stakeholders and industry experts to establish connections and begin to address the issues the regulation change will bring to the industry in Alabama and your business. ATDA staff will continue diligently working to advocate for and represent tire dealers and their local, state, and federal interests.