WASHINGTON (Aug. 18, 2004) — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule on the disposal of recalled tires, as required under the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act.
Essentially, the rule requires tire manufacturers to submit reports to NHTSA, describing their plans to ensure that recalled tires aren't re-installed on vehicles and are mostly recycled rather than landfilled. The rule also gives manufacturers a choice of notifying dealers about their recall disposal programs either annually or during each tire recall, and allows for disposal by either manufacturers or dealers at the manufacturer's option.
A spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association said the RMA is still studying the document; Tire Industry Association officials could not be reached for comment.
The new rule goes into effect Nov. 12, with a Sept. 27 deadline for petitions for reconsideration.