Free tyre recycling collections have kicked off in New Zealand following the operational launch of the Tyrewise product stewardship programme.
As of 1 September 2024, ‘tyre generators’ like tyre shops can have their end-of-life tyres collected for recycling free of charge.
Members of the public are also included in the scheme and can dispose of up to five old tyres per day for free at registered collection sites across the country.
“Every year, New Zealand imports around 6.5 million tyres. Of these, only about 40 per cent are recycled, reprocessed or exported,” says Environment Minister Penny Simmonds.
“The remainder often end up in landfills, stockpiles, or are illegally dumped. This not only wastes a valuable resource, but it also places a heavy burden on local communities and councils who are usually left to handle the cleanup. This will change under the new scheme.”
Tyrewise has been in effect since 1 March 2024, requiring New Zealanders to pay a ‘tyre stewardship fee’ on all newly imported tyres – whether they’re sold individually or on a vehicle.
The fee is said to cover the collection and management of worn out tyres so they can be recycled and turned into new products.
Under new regulations that enable Tyrewise, tyre fitters are no longer allowed to charge a disposal fee.