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A scheme designed to reduce the number of tyres that are illegally dumped began operating nationwide on September 1.
Called Tyrewise, it includes a free disposal service, which means tyre ‘generators’, like tyre shops, can have their end-of-life tyres collected for free, and the public can also dispose of up to five worn out tyres for free at collection sites around the country.
According to Tyrewise, around 40 percent of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use are recycled, repurposed or used as tyre derived fuel. The rest end up stockpiled, dumped, or in landfill.
In March, a tyre stewardship fee was introduced on all new tyres sold.
The fee is $6.65 (plus GST) for a standard passenger tyre, but varies depending on the type of tyre. There was also a disposal fee for old tyres.
The stewardship fee will continue, at the same rate as prescribed in the regulations, but from September 1, there are no disposal fees when your old tyres are left with a registered seller/fitter when you replace them. Up to five end-of-life tyres at a time can be taken to registered public collection sites for no charge.
Tyrewise is responsible for managing the free collection of end-of-life tyres from retailers and collection sites. The scheme has a target of 80 percent of tyres recovered, for recycling or use in a new product, by its fourth year, and over 90 percent by its sixth year.
The tyres will be delivered to registered processors and manufacturers for reuse/recycling.
Some innovative uses of the old tyres are being found. Currently they include as a fuel, and incorporating the rubber into things like matting and sportsfield surfaces.
Auckland Council’s Waste Solutions general manger Justine Haves hopes the Tyrewise scheme will gain momentum and help prevent the dumping of thousands of tyres illegally across Auckland annually.
“Between July 2022 and July 2024, over 32,000 tyres were illegally dumped on public land across the Auckland region. Now people can drop off their tyres for free, there should no temptation to dump them illegally, or pay someone else to dump them,” Haves says.
According to council figures, in the 2023/4 financial year, only one illegal tyre dumping in the Hibiscus Coast area was reported to council (in Dairy Flat). However, it is possible that many such incidents go unreported.
Council has said in the past that the large number of tyres thrown away indicates that the likely culprits are businesses.
