Each year in Australia, the equivalent of 48 million tyres reach the end of their life, only 16% of these are domestically recycled. Around two thirds of used tyres in Australia end up in landfill, are stockpiled, illegally dumped or have an unknown fate.
This represents both a waste of resources and creates health and environmental issues. Each passenger car tyre contains approximately 1.5kg of steel, 0.5kg of textiles and 7 kg of rubber.
Source - "Study into domestic and international fate of end-of-life tyres - Final Report" , Hyder Consulting, 17th May 2012
Tyre Stewardship Australia
In recent years all governments have worked with the tyre industry to establish Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) and a voluntary industry funded tyre product stewardship scheme. This scheme aims to increase both the number of tyres recycled in Australia and the use of products made with recycled material. Tyre industry participants who apply for, and gain TSA accreditation must commit to playing their part in sustainable end-of-life use for tyres.
It's important to ensure that the mechanic or garage you use recycles your tyres. Some tyre service centres will recycle your tyres for free when you purchase new ones. Please check terms and conditions with the retailer before dropping off tyres.
