Maryland Updates State Tire Fee Regulations

Increased recycling fee and new tire fee beginning January 1, 2026

The Maryland Comptroller has submitted amendments to the regulations governing Maryland’s tire recycling fee and new tire fee.

The tire recycling fee increases to $1.00 from $0.80 on the first retail sale of a new tire in the state. Maryland will also implement a $5.00 new tire fee on January 1, 2026, on the same sales.

Responsibility for setting the tire recycling fee rate has been transferred to Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

The tire recycling fee may be adjusted every two fiscal years based on the Consumer Price Index, as determined by MDE, not to exceed $2.00 per tire.

The tire recycling fee was first imposed on February 1, 1992.

The rate for the tire recycling fee has been $0.80 per tire since April 1, 2005.

The fees are imposed on the first sale of a new tire, including tires sold as part of a new or used vehicle, trailer, farm equipment, or similar machinery.

The fee is not imposed on the sale of a new tire to an out-of-state wholesaler or retailer.

Once administrative fees are deducted, revenue from the tire recycling fee will be allocated to the Used Tire Cleanup and Recycling Fund, and revenue from the new fire fee will be allocated to the Transportation Trust Fund, created in 1971 to support the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

This integrated trust fund approach allows Maryland flexibility to meet varying transportation service and infrastructure needs.

The proposed changes will be published in the Maryland Register January 9, 2026.

Public comments accepted through February 9th.

© Scrap Tire News, January 2026