Call for change on tyre disposal and recycling rules
Waste management services provider Business Waste is advocating for a change in the UK’s tyre disposal and recycling regulations.
The UK produces over 50 million used tyres every year, which is currently costing the population over £270 million to recycle. Current industry laws mandate responsible tyre disposal to prevent environmental harm, but Business Waste says it is pushing for a more sustainable and consumer-friendly approach. The company is calling for free take-back schemes for used tyres as mandatory standard practice across all tyre manufacturers and resellers.
Under existing UK laws, the disposal of tyres in landfills has been strictly prohibited since 2006. The Environment Agency enforces regulations that require businesses to ensure their waste tyres are collected and treated by licensed carriers and recyclers. This aims to curb illegal dumping and promote recycling, turning used tyres into valuable resources for various industries.
However, currently there are limited options for tyre disposal, says the company. Some firms offer take-back schemes if new tyres are purchased, but other disposal options involve fees; and tyre waste remains a challenge, with millions of used and unwanted tyres disposed without being recycled annually.
Business Waste’s proposed solution is to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) to tyre manufacturers and resellers. Currently, EPR applies to packaging waste and imposes a responsibility on businesses that produce, supply, or import packaging to cover the costs of managing packaging waste.
The same should happen for tyres, the company contends; it could follow the example of the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013, where businesses selling electronics must offer a free take-back option for WEEE items (wherever they bought the original). This would mean old tyres could be dropped off for free at any garage or tyre seller across the country – whether they purchased it from them originally or not.
By advocating for tyre manufacturers and resellers to accept used tyres back free of charge, Business Waste says it is championing a circular economy model that would bring non-recycled tyre waste to an end. This proposed shift would ease the disposal process for consumers and encourage manufacturers to design tyres with their lifecycle in mind, leading to more sustainable practices.
“Free take-back schemes for tyres should be the norm, not an option,” said Mark Hall, co-founder of Business Waste.
“This approach will significantly reduce the environmental impact of tyre waste and foster a culture of responsibility among manufacturers and retailers.”
Business Waste says its call to action aims to set a new standard in tyre recycling, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable waste management practices. It urges policymakers and industry leaders to support the initiative to help pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Mark Hall told Transport Operator: “We’re big advocates for mandatory free take-back schemes for used tyres across the UK, regardless of the vehicle type. We aim to shift the financial and environmental responsibility of tyre disposal from drivers to manufacturers and resellers.
“If the EPR applies to electric waste, why should large items like tyres be any different? The company proposes extending producer responsibility to the tyre industry to encourage sustainable tyre disposal practices.
“In this day and age, we should try and foster a circular economy within all industries, and companies should make it as easy as possible for consumer to contribute to it.”
