End-of-life tyres represent a wasted resource, with only an estimated 25% of tyres currently being recycled; the rest end up in landfill, illegally dumped, or stockpiled where they pose a fire-risk.
It’s time for a solution.
Tyrewise provides a framework for the development of a regulated product stewardship programme which will create an effective solution for New Zealand’s end-of-life tyres (ELTs).
Companies and organisations representing tyre importers and suppliers, new and used car importers, tyre recyclers, motor services, and motorists as well as local and central government are all involved in developing this solution.
The Tyrewise Working Group have now made their final recommendations under the Phase Two project (2019-20), including publishing the Final Report.
Under the Waste Minimisation Act, the Minister for the Environment has declared tyres a “priority product”, which requires a regulated product stewardship scheme to be put in place.
But what does “priority product” mean for you?
Tyrewise was first set up in 2012 to progress product stewardship for ELTs with a report presented to government in 2013. This was based on the then National Government taking the step to declare tyres as priority product using the provisions of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. When no declaration was made, the project was put on hold in 2015.
In 2019-2020, tyres were back on the priority list, the project was updated and the final report issued. On July 29, 2020 Government declared tyres a priority product under the WMA.
A proportion of ELTs are responsibly recycled or disposed of appropriately in landfills, but unfortunately many are not, leading to hazardous dumping or stockpiling. Even at retail level outcomes vary.
There are many examples of successful schemes abroad which achieve excellent recovery and recycling rates.
Good product stewardship starts with good design and minimising waste wherever possible. There are several things you can do to prolong the life of your tyres.
An important piece of the regulated tyre stewardship puzzle has fallen into place with the Ministry for the Environment finalising and gazetting the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Storing Tyres...