A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 44-96-170, RELATING TO WASTE TIRES, SO AS TO REMOVE THE CAP ON TIPPING FEES THAT A COUNTY MAY CHARGE FOR RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN WASTE TIRES; AND TO ENCOURAGE STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION ON MARKET DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES REGARDING END-OF-LIFE TIRE RECYCLING IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Section 44-96-170 (E) and (F) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

    (E) Counties are prohibited from imposing an additional fee on waste tires generated within the county. However, a county may impose an additional fee on waste tires, heavy equipment tires, and oversized tires that have a greater diameter than the largest tire with a Department of Transportation number. A fee may be charged on waste tires generated outside of South Carolina. Counties may require fleets to provide documentation for proof of purchase on in-state tires. For tires not included in documentation, an additional tipping fee may be charged. Counties may charge a tipping fee of up to one dollar and fifty cents for each tire or up to one hundred fifty dollars a ton for waste tires generated in this State for which no fee has been paid otherwise.

    (F) Counties may charge a tipping fee of up to one dollar and fifty cents for each waste tire manufactured in this State or up to one hundred fifty dollars per ton and for waste tires manufactured in this State for which no fee has been paid otherwise.

SECTION 2.  Section 44-96-170 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    (U)(1) The need to implement, maintain and expand all economically viable and environmentally sound waste tire markets is essential. The department, in conjunction with the S.C. Department of Commerce Recycling Market Development Program, shall work together to identify, pursue, and develop a sustainable statewide market infrastructure for tire-derived products.

       (2) The agencies shall at a minimum:

           (a) develop a state plan for the efficient and effective management of waste tires with the priority focus on market development;

           (b) develop a comprehensive and diversified approach to develop markets emphasizing higher end uses for waste tires and a circular tire economy working with public and private entities, including S.C. Department of Transportation, S.C. Asphalt Paving Association, S.C. Department of Commerce Recycling Market Development Advisory Council, county governments, South Carolina's public colleges and universities, waste tire recyclers and processors, new tire retailers, South Carolina's tire manufacturers, and the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and other appropriate regional and national stakeholders;

           (c) promote the economic and environmental benefits of waste tire recycling; and

           (d) set specific goals and objectives to match national percentages in reuse markets.

       (3) The department shall:

           (a) provide disposal and recycling data to the Recycling Market Development Program for its waste tire market development activities;

           (b) develop and implement outreach and education programs for the public, communities, and other appropriate stakeholders on the economic and environmental benefits of waste tire recycling; and

           (c) develop and implement outreach and education programs that focus on preventing illegal dumping of waste tires.

       (4) The Recycling Market Development Program shall:

           (a) conduct national, regional, and local research on new approaches, technologies, end uses, and more;

           (b) prioritize higher end uses such as rubberized asphalt, ground rubber, civil engineering applications, mulch, and other products over waste reduction;

           (c) encourage the increased use of rubberized asphalt with the S.C. Department of Transportation;

           (d) create partnerships with key stakeholders including tire manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, waste tire recyclers and processors, trade associations and other appropriate entities to share responsibilities in managing waste tires as well as developing and maintaining markets; and 

           (e) publish a report by March fifteenth of each year on South Carolina's waste tire market performance including successes, obstacles, data, trends, and more.

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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