SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Connecticut officials are set to roll out a long-awaited tire recycling initiative aimed at improving disposal of millions of unwanted tires and reducing illegal dumping across the state. The pilot phase of the program will begin Saturday in four towns—Redding, Weston, Newtown, and Canton—marking a significant step toward a statewide solution.

Under the new system, residents in these towns can drop off used tires at local transfer stations free of charge. The collected tires will then be processed at approved facilities in Connecticut and Massachusetts for resale or recycling, preventing them from ending up in landfills.

ALSO READ:

Connecticut Lawmakers Push Waste Reform Bill to Cut Costs and Boost Recycling

Decatur Eyes AI Recycling Upgrade to Double Processing Capacity

The initiative is the first producer-led tire stewardship program in the United States, based on the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR). Major tire manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, and Continental, are participating.

Established under a 2023 state law, the program shifts disposal costs to manufacturers, funded through fees embedded in new tire sales. Officials believe this approach will discourage illegal dumping, which has long imposed environmental and financial burdens on communities.

Despite its promise, critics argue the system lacks transparency, particularly as retailers are not mandated to participate, raising concerns over fee practices and oversight.