A “scrap tire” is any tire that’s no longer suitable for its original use. Improperly managed scrap tires pose several serious threats. They can create a significant fire hazard, releasing dangerous oils and soot into the air and water if they burn. The unique shape of a tire also makes it a perfect place for water to collect, which creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can spread viruses like West Nile, Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
When you buy a new tire in Maryland, you will pay a $1.00 fee as of January 1, 2026, which funds the scrap tire program (previously $0.80). In 1991, the Scrap Tire Recycling Act was passed, which established a mechanism for the cleanup of scrap tire stockpiles and for the collection, transportation, and recycling or processing of the more than 6 million scrap tires that are generated annually in Maryland. It also banned tires from being disposed of in landfills. Since the inception of the Act, we have successfully cleaned up over 11 million illegally dumped tires from stockpiles throughout Maryland, protecting both public health and the environment.
In order to facilitate the responsible end-of-life management for scrap tires, MDE also implements
regulations that help everyone by ensuring that tires are handled responsibly and don't end up in illegal piles. Anyone who collects, transports, recycles, or disposes of more than five scrap tires per year must have a license from the state. You can find out more about scrap tires in our annual report.
How to Properly Dispose of Your Scrap Tires
To find a licensed facility that can accept your old tires:
- Contact a scrap tire processor: Contact the scrap tire recyclers and processors in Maryland for more information about tipping fees, accepted materials, and available times to drop off your scrap tires.
- Contact your county: Reach out to your local county’s solid waste division for information on their specific collection sites and rules.
- Use a licensed hauler: For larger quantities, you can hire a licensed scrap tire hauler to transport your tires for you.
Keep in mind that most licensed facilities will charge a fee to accept your scrap tires. If you see illegally dumped tires, please report them by calling us at the number below.
License Application Process FAQ & Forms
What is the process to get this approval?
- An applicant submits a completed application and the required information.
- MDE may conduct a public information meeting for a primary scrap tire collection facility, scrap tire recycling facility, or scrap tire derived fuel or substitute fuel facility.
Before I apply for this approval, do I need to get any approvals from the local or federal government?
Proper zoning approval is required for all scrap tire licenses and approvals. Zoning certification from the county is required for a primary scrap tire collection facility, scrap tire recycling facility, or scrap tire derived fuel or substitute fuel facility.
Is this approval directly related or contingent on other approvals?
A Scrap Tire Solid Waste Acceptance Facility Approval requires that the landfill, incinerator, transfer station, or processing facility first obtain a Refuse Disposal Permit.
| Type of Approval | Turnaround Time |
| Scrap Tire Hauler, General and Secondary Scrap Tire Collection Facility | 68 days |
| Scrap Tire Solid Waste Acceptance Facility and TDF/Substitute Fuel Facility | 207 days |
| Primary Collection Facility and Scrap Tire Recycler | 9 months |
Once I get this approval, how long will it last?
General Scrap Tire Collection Facility licenses have no expiration date. All other scrap tire licenses and approvals must be renewed every five years.
How much will this approval cost?
There are no fees for scrap tire licenses and approvals. Financial assurance (performance bond, letter of credit, cash deposit, insurance policy, or other instrument of security acceptable) will be required for a Primary Scrap Tire Collection Facility License, Scrap Tire Recycler License, or Tire Derived Fuel or Substitute Fuel Facility Approval.
Below are links to the application forms for various activities related to scrap tires.
Below are links to the various scrap tire semi-annual report forms, required for each scrap tire licensee.
Contact Us
Call the Scrap Tire Unit at 410-537-3314 or email us at
[email protected].
