(a) No person may engage in the processing of scrap tires, as defined herein, whether or not organized for profit, unless the person holds a valid processor permit issued by the department.

(b) The department, by regulation, shall set operational requirements for processors, including limitations on the maximum number of tires that may be on site, whether processed or unprocessed. The department shall also establish by regulation requirements for mobile processors.

(c) Each applicant for a processor's permit shall pay an application fee as determined by the department by regulation, and shall provide information that the department requires by regulation. Application shall be made in the form required by the department.

(d) Permits issued by the department to scrap tire processors shall be valid for a five-year period, unless revoked for cause.

(e) A fuel user may operate without obtaining a processor permit and must register as a fuel user with the department on forms prepared by the department. The fuel user must store tires or TDF in compliance with storage regulations established by the department.

(f) Any facility that produces an end use material or product from ground or crumb rubber derived from scrap tires that has been purchased from another facility, or any facility using the component parts of scrap tires or processed tire material as a substitute raw material, is exempt from the requirement of being permitted as a processor pursuant to this section. Any facility seeking an exemption must register with the department on forms prepared by the department.