New Zealand has officially launched its first nationwide tyre recycling scheme, Tyrewise, on 1st September, with free collections starting on 2nd September. This initiative aims to tackle the environmental problem of millions of discarded tyres, marking a significant milestone in the country’s environmental policy.
Under the Tyrewise scheme, tyre shops and other tyre generators can collect their end-of-life tyres for free. At the same time, the public can dispose of up to five worn-out tyres per day, free of charge, at registered public collection sites across the country.
Penny Simmonds, the Environment Minister, stated that the first priority product stewardship program for end-of-life tyres is a big step in the right direction towards solving a problem that has been plaguing New Zealand for a long time. Tyres are one of six priority products for which stewardship schemes must be implemented under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.
The Tyrewise initiative results from a decade-long effort by industry stakeholders, government agencies, and environmental groups. Initially proposed in 2012, the scheme faced several delays and revisions before gaining approval in 2021. After years of planning and consultation, the programme is finally operational, offering a structured approach to tyre recycling across the country.
Under the Tyrewise programme, a stewardship fee will be applied to the sale of new tyres, with funds collected being used to manage the entire lifecycle of the tyre, from production to disposal. This fee, expected to be around $5 per tyre, will finance the collection, transportation, and recycling of tyres, ensuring that they are repurposed into valuable products such as rubber mats, playground surfaces, and construction materials.
The development of a national tyre recycling industry will create jobs in collection, transportation, and processing, as well as in the manufacturing of recycled products. This new sector is expected to generate significant economic activity, contributing to New Zealand’s broader goals of sustainability and green growth.
By diverting millions of tyres from landfills and illegal dumpsites, the scheme will help reduce the risk of fires and the spread of diseases carried by pests that breed in tyre piles. Recycling tyres reduces the demand for raw materials, conserving natural resources and lowering carbon emissions associated with the production of new materials.
The Tyrewise scheme embodies the principles of a circular economy, where waste is minimised, and resources are reused and recycled. This approach is likely to be replicated in other sectors, as New Zealand continues to advance its sustainability agenda. The success of Tyrewise could pave the way for similar initiatives targeting other environmental issues in the country.
As the Tyrewise programme rolls out across New Zealand, its success will depend on the participation of consumers, retailers, and the tyre industry. Public awareness and engagement is crucial to ensuring that tyres are disposed of properly and recycled efficiently.