New Zealand has officially launched its first national tyre recycling scheme, Tyrewise, to address the growing issue of waste tyres across the country.
“Each year, around 6.5 million tyres enter New Zealand, but only about 40 per cent are recycled, reprocessed, or exported,” said Environment Minister Penny Simmonds. “The rest often end up in landfills, stockpiles, or are illegally dumped, creating a real headache for local communities and councils. But with Tyrewise, that’s about to change.”
Free Collection and Public Drop-Offs
Tyrewise is New Zealand’s first major effort to collect, process, and repurpose end-of-life tyres into new products. Under the scheme, tyre shops and businesses can have their old tyres collected for free. The public can drop off up to five used tyres a day at registered collection sites nationwide. This service is provided free of charge.
“Thanks to Tyrewise, Kiwis can now be confident that their old tyres will be managed responsibly and sustainably, no matter where they are in the country,” explained Ms Simmonds.
The scheme is funded by a tyre stewardship fee on new tyres imported into New Zealand from March 1, 2024. This fee replaces the random disposal charges previously added by many tyre retailers. The funds will improve recycling infrastructure and support eco-friendly ways to reuse old tyres.
The fee for a standard passenger car tyre is set at $6.65 plus GST, based on the average tyre weight. This uniform approach ensures consistent disposal costs across the country and supports a more efficient tyre recycling system.
“Tyrewise is a significant win for the environment and a prime example of how collaboration with industry can drive real change,” Ms Simmonds said.
Tyres are one of six products New Zealand has prioritised for better waste management under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. With Tyrewise now in place, New Zealand is turning a major waste problem into valuable resources. This initiative is helping the country make strides towards a more sustainable future.
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!
