VT S0177

Establishes an extended producer responsibility program requiring motor vehicle tire manufacturers to register with the Secretary of Natural Resources by July 1, 2027, and implement approved waste tire stewardship plans by January 1, 2028

Requires manufacturers or stewardship organizations to provide free collection of waste tires from covered entities, with at least two collection facilities per county operating year-round and accepting up to 12 tires per visit

Sets a 50% collection rate performance goal for the first year, with penalties of $0.50-$1.00 per tire for failing to meet targets; requires at least 50% of collected tires to be recycled or reused (tire-derived fuel does not count as recycling)

Mandates stewardship plans include methods for eliminating legacy waste tire piles (accumulations of 50+ tires on property) and education/outreach programs to inform the public about free collection options

Imposes a $15,000 annual fee on manufacturers or stewardship organizations, exempts small manufacturers with less than $5,000 in annual tire sales, and prohibits transferring waste tires to unlicensed haulers