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.

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.

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.