September 17th, 2024
A landmark initiative, Tyrewise, has been unveiled by the Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand, as the nation's first comprehensive strategy to repurpose the millions of tyres discarded annually, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability.
In an ambitious move to address the mounting issue of tyre waste, New Zealand has introduced Tyrewise, a pioneering product stewardship scheme aimed at drastically reducing the number of tyres ending up in landfills, stockpiles, or as part of illegal dumping practices.
According to the Ministry for the Environment, this initiative not only alleviates the burden on communities and councils tasked with clean-up operations but also represents a shift towards a more sustainable and responsible management of tyre waste.
Set to be fully operational by 1 September, as per the Ministry for the Environment's statement, the scheme introduces a stewardship fee on regulated tyres, effective from 1 March. Customers now face an additional charge when purchasing tyres from retailers, with the fee embedded into the cost of newly imported vehicles at first registration. The levy, calculated based on the type and weight of the tyre, is set at $6.65 plus GST for a standard passenger car tyre, approximately weighing 9.5kg. This fee is designed to cover the costs associated with tyre collection and transportation, while also encouraging the processing and repurposing of end-of-life tyres into new products.
The Ministry for the Environment outlines Tyrewise's ambitious target to significantly enhance the rate of tyre repurposing within the nation. Currently, only about 40% of the 6.5 million tyres that reach the end of their useful life in Aotearoa each year are repurposed, including uses such as tyre-derived fuel or recycling into new products. The scheme aims to double this proportion by 2028, striving to repurpose 80% of end-of-life tyres, and further increasing this figure to over 90% by 2030.
As noted by the Ministry for the Environment, Tyrewise represents a crucial step forward in tackling one of the country's pressing environmental issues. By establishing a financial incentive for the repurposing of tyres, this scheme not only aims to reduce environmental harm but also fosters a culture of product stewardship where producers are held accountable for the lifecycle of their products. As Tyrewise gears up for full operation, its success could serve as a model for addressing other waste management challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable future.