Connecticut Expands Nationwide First Tire Stewardship Program

Connecticut is continuing the rollout of the first statewide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for end-of-life tires in the United States. During a presentation to the State Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), Connecticut Tire Stewardship (CTS) outlined the progress made since the program officially launched in March 2026 and highlighted plans to significantly expand collection and recycling services across the state. The program is designed to reduce illegal tire dumping, increase recycling rates, and establish a long-term circular economy for used tires. Tire manufacturers now finance and oversee the statewide collection and recycling system, replacing the previous disposal-fee model.

Approximately 3.5 million tires reach the end of their service life in Connecticut each year. Under the new stewardship model, residents can dispose of eligible passenger and light truck tires free of charge at participating collection sites, while municipalities benefit from reduced waste management costs. The initiative also aims to eliminate one of the primary causes of illegal tire dumping by removing disposal fees for consumers.

Since its initial launch, the network has been steadily expanding. The first participating municipal transfer stations have already begun accepting tires, with additional municipalities expected to join throughout 2026. CTS is also working closely with tire retailers, automotive service centers, and recycling companies to build a comprehensive statewide collection infrastructure capable of handling all eligible end-of-life tires.

Collected tires are transported to approved processing facilities where they are either prepared for reuse, retreading, or recycled into secondary raw materials. Materials recovered from scrap tires can be used in applications such as rubber-modified asphalt, playground surfaces, sports fields, construction products, and other industrial uses, supporting the development of new domestic recycling markets.

Beyond collection and recycling, Connecticut Tire Stewardship is investing in public education through its "Roll. Recycle. Renew." campaign. The organization is raising awareness about responsible tire disposal while encouraging municipalities, retailers, and residents to participate in the program. Annual reporting will track collection volumes, recycling performance, education efforts, and progress toward long-term recycling goals, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.

The Connecticut program represents a significant milestone for tire recycling in North America. As the first statewide producer-funded tire stewardship system in the United States, it is being closely monitored by policymakers and industry stakeholders as a potential model for similar programs in other states. Continued legislative refinements are expected to further strengthen retailer participation and expand the statewide collection network over the coming years.