Phase 1: Current Generation Tires

To prevent the problem from growing even larger, Phase 1 of the program keeps scrap tires out of the waste stream as they are generated.  When retailers install new tires on consumers' vehicles, the used tires removed from the vehicles are kept on-site by the retailers, picked up by collectors and transported directly to processing facilities for recycling.

This is done at no cost to the retailer.  The cost is covered entirely by the SSTC through the revenue generated from tire recycling fees collected throughout the province.
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Phase 2: Landfill Clean-Up

Any surplus revenue left each year over after Phase 1 is completed is devoted towards Phase 2 of the program.  This involves the clean-up and recycling of tire stockpiles built up over several decades in city, town, village and rural municipal landfills throughout Saskatchewan.  Municipal councils must register with the SSTC to have their landfills cleaned, and pass a bylaw prohibiting the disposal of scrap tires in their landfills in the future.  As of 2007, about half the municipal landfills in the province had been reclaimed, with the other half remaining to be addressed.

This clean-up is done once per landfill at no cost to the municipality.  It is covered entirely by the SSTC through surplus revenues generated from tire recycling fees once Phase 1 activities have been completed.
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Phase 3: Private Stockpiles

Now that Phase 2 is completed and all municipal landfills in the province have been cleared of tires, Phase 3 of the program can begin. This will involve the clean-up and recycling of tire stockpiles found on private properties throughout Saskatchewan. This is a pilot project that is currently limited to 28 RMs in southwest Saskatchewan. Following a successful clean up in this area the borders will be expanded to include additional areas. All tires collected will be recycled into useful products. Click here to go to the Black Gold Rush Phase 3 project.

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Q. Is the SSTC an agency of the provincial government?

A. No. The SSTC is a non-profit, non-government, industry-led organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors selected by member associations. The provincial government does not run or direct the SSTC or the tire recycling program. Its primary role in this area is regulation and enforcement.

Q. Does the government handle the money collected through the tire recycling fee (TRF)?

A. No. Funds collected through the TRF go directly to the SSTC and are used entirely to deliver the province-wide tire recycling program. None if the funds collected end up in any government accounts, nor does the SSTC receive government funding.

Q: What does the TRF pay for?

A: The tire recycling program in Saskatchewan is a user-pay system where the retailer collects a TRF from the consumer on each new tire sold. The 1,200 TL SSTC, uses the funding to manage the program, pay for the collection transportation and processing of scrap tires. and support projects and companies that recycle scrap tires.

Q. Do I have to pay the TRF if I take my scrap tires home with me?

A. Yes. The TRF is to be charged on all new tires regardless whether the used tire is left behind or not. Consumers are encouraged to leave their scrap tires with the retailer to ensure they are properly disposed of and recycled.

Q. Do I have to pay the TRF even if I don't agree with the tire recycling program?

A. Yes. The TRF must be paid on all new tires in accordance with provincial legislation.

Q. Do I have to pay the TRF on "used vehicle" tires?

A. The TRF is only to be collected on new tires. Therefore, unless new tires have been put on a used vehicle, the TRF would not be charged.

Q. Do I have to pay tax on the TRF?

A. Fees charged on the tires are exempt from PST, providing it is separated from the selling price of the tire. However, GST is charged on the TRF.

Q. If I have old used tires at home, where can I take them to be recycled?

A. Please contact the SSTC for disposal options. Some retailers will accept tires from the public, but will also charge the applicable TRF for handling. There are currently no free disposal options.

Q. What happens to the scrap tires that are collected?

A. Scrap tires are processed into a safe, reusable format and put to many good uses. Among the products currently being made from recycled tires are low-impact playground surfaces, athletic field turf, street and road paving material, interlocking patio bricks, shingles, parking curbs, truck bed liners, livestock feeders, planters, mats and a whole lot more. Visit the page on Recycled Tire Products for more information.
 
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