In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of tire waste management in South Carolina, highlighting the need for increased state funding and updated regulations. Participants emphasized that all counties face significant challenges related to tire disposal, with one county in particular described as a \"tire wasteland,\" struggling with a massive accumulation of tires on a 300-acre site.

The conversation revealed that the current tire recycling framework, established in 1992, has not been adequately updated to address the evolving complexities of waste management. The existing $2 fee on tire sales, which partially funds disposal efforts, has remained unchanged despite rising costs. Officials noted that the price for recycling tires has surged from approximately $82 per ton eight years ago to over $260 per ton today, with additional surcharges for larger tires.

Efforts to increase the tire fee to $4 were previously rejected by the General Assembly, but there are renewed calls to revisit this proposal. The Association of Counties is advocating for both an increase in the tire fee and a raise in the cap on disposal charges, which currently stands at $150 per ton. A recent survey conducted by the association aims to gather support for these initiatives.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for a coordinated approach among counties and the state to tackle the tire recycling crisis, as officials expressed concerns about the long-term implications of inadequate waste management strategies.