The City of Houston implemented the Scrap Tire Ordinance on October 21, 2015, a crucial step to combat the environmental hazards posed by illegal tire dumping. This initiative directly addresses the negative impacts of scrap tires on neighborhoods and the efficiency of city services. Officially enacted on January 1, 2016, this ordinance mandates specific regulations for businesses involved in the used and scrap tire industry.
This comprehensive program, detailed within Chapter 39, Article VIII of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, focuses on the Storage, Transportation, and Disposal of Tires. For businesses operating within this sector, annual registration and/or permits are mandatory. A key component of this ordinance is the regulation of tire transporters, or as it would be understood in Spanish, those involved in transporter in spanish scenarios, though the official documentation is in English.
The Scrap Tire Program’s main objectives are threefold:
- Permitting Tire Transporters: Each entity responsible for hauling tires within Houston city limits must obtain a permit. This includes the issuance of official decals that must be visibly displayed on all vehicles used for tire transportation.
- Registering Tire Generators: Annual registration is required for all tire generators. This allows for regular inspections of their manifest records, ensuring accountability and proper disposal practices.
- Enhancing Manifest Record Audits: The program increases both the frequency and depth of audits conducted on manifest records maintained by both tire generators and transporters, promoting transparency and compliance.
To fully grasp the program, it’s essential to define key terms:
Scrap Tire: This is defined as a tire that a generator has deemed unusable due to various conditions, or a tire that is no longer fit for its original purpose because of specific types of damage. These conditions include:
- Tread depth less than one-sixteenth of an inch.
- Presence of chunking, bumps, knots, or bulges indicating separation of cords, plies, or treads from the tire casing or adjacent materials.
- Exposed tire cords or belting material resulting from tire damage.
Scrap Tire Generator: This term encompasses a range of businesses that produce scrap tires. According to the ordinance, a “scrap tire generator” includes:
- Fleet operators
- Automotive dismantlers
- Retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, recappers, or retreaders of new or used tires.
Entities seeking to register as a scrap tire generator must complete and submit the Scrap Tire Generator Registration Application to the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department.
Scrap Tire Transporter: Crucially, for those interested in the role of a transporter in spanish contexts within Houston, the ordinance defines a “scrap tire transporter” as a person responsible for moving tires from one location to another along public streets within the city. In Spanish, this role could be understood as transportista de neumáticos de desecho. To become a registered tire transporter, individuals or businesses must complete and submit the Scrap Tire Transporter Permit Application to the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department.
In conclusion, Houston’s Scrap Tire Program is a vital regulatory framework designed to mitigate the environmental and community impact of scrap tires. Understanding the roles of both generators and, particularly, transporters – or transportistas – is crucial for businesses operating in Houston’s tire industry. Compliance with this ordinance ensures responsible waste management and contributes to a cleaner, safer city environment. For detailed information and to access the application forms, please refer to the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department’s official website.
