RPS 85 is a regulatory position statement that applies if you want to store and use PAS 108 tyre bales in civil engineering projects or landfill infrastructure works, for example in leachate drainage layers at permitted landfill sites.

The updated RPS applies from 1 February 2019. If followed, operators need not apply for a waste recovery environmental permit from the EA. However, it cannot be used to dispose of tyres or tyre bales. The tyres used must be a permanent part of the civil engineering or landfill structure.

Further conditions applying:

Operators must notify the Environment Agency in writing to confirm:

  • the location of the proposed construction project;
  • what the tyre bales will be used for;
  • who will supply the tyre bales;
  • the number of tyre bales;
  • that the tyres will conform to the latest version of BSI PAS 108;
  • when the work will start;
  • how long the project will last;
  • how long the operator will store the tyre bales;
  • the location of the proposed storage and construction areas; and
  • the construction and quality assurance plans

Operators must:

  • ensure that the project is supervised by a suitably qualified engineer and supply their name and contact details;
  • follow a written fire prevention plan to prevent, detect, contain and mitigate fires;
  • ensure there is access for fire and rescue service vehicles;
  • store the tyre bales in a secure location to prevent access by the public; and
  • comply with land use planning and other statutory control

Operators must not:

  • start work until they have received written confirmation from the Environment Agency that they have approved the project;
  • store more tyre bales than needed to complete the project;
  • store more than 1,000 tyre bales in any location – multiple storage sites for major projects will be considered on a case by case basis;
  • store tyre bales for more than 3 months before they start using them; or
  • use tyre bales beneath the water table or in source protection zones or in very acidic (pH5 or below) ground conditions

Operators must make sure that the activity does not endanger human health or the environment.