Tyre Stewardship Australia calls for vigilance as used tyre export ban looms

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) is urging local governments, farmers and commercial landlords to be on alert as the federal government’s waste export ban on all whole used or baled tyres comes into effect on 1 December 2021.

TSA Chief Executive Lina Goodman warned the impending ban could see increased activity of waste tyre collection from unscrupulous operators offering last-minute cheap collections to councils and other organisations involved in the safe disposal of used car tyres.

In August 2019, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to establish a phased timetable to ban the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres, while building Australia’s capacity to generate high-value recycled commodities and associated demand.

The Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 bans the export of waste whole or baled tyres from 1 December. Export will only be legal for:

• bus, truck and aviation tyres for re-treading to a verified re-treading facility;
• tyres that have been processed into crumbs, buffings, granules or shreds; and
• tyres that have been processed into tyre-derived fuel.
   

Australia generates 450,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres (EOLT) each year, of which 75% comprise passenger, truck and bus tyres. Whilst 72% of EOLT are recovered for productive outcomes, the remainder are mostly disposed (in licensed landfills or buried onsite where permitted), dumped or stockpiled.

“The elimination of cheaper waste tyre disposal options through the export ban will no doubt lead to increased disposal costs as organisations invest for greater local recovery,” Goodman explained.

“We are hearing concerns from our network of accredited participants of approaches from operators offering to remove waste tyres cheaply — but their intention may not be aligned with sustainable disposal of end-of-life tyres.

“As the export ban draws near, we may see these organisations enter the market looking for a quick injection of collection revenue, while TSA-affiliated recyclers are doing the right thing and changing their business model, pricing and practice as they transition away from baling to other processing means, such as shredding and crumbing.”

Goodman warned landlords of commercial, industrial and agricultural land and buildings to be vigilant about stockpiles: “If the collector abandons the site, these unmanaged stockpiles become the responsibility of the landlord — left with large clean-up costs and possible fines from the regulator.”

COVID-related supply chain issues have also impacted TSA accredited businesses; in particular, difficulties in obtaining containers and securing overseas markets.

Despite the challenges presented by the ban, TSA is encouraged by significant industry investment and a growth in the demand for tyre-derived material. Since inception, it has invested $7 million across 50 projects to fund real-world outcomes for EOLT. This investment spans manufacturing and mining, rail, research, civil infrastructure and roads.

TSA continues to communicate and audit its 1700 participants to ensure they meet the Stewardship Scheme guidelines and regulatory requirements.

TSA is doing its bit to prepare the industry, including support via its Baler Transition Program, conducting webinars, forums and continually sharing information in the lead-up the waste export ban. A consumer campaign — My Tyres My Choice — has been launched to educate the consumers on accredited retailers, recyclers and auto-brands so an informed choice can be made when tyres need to be changed.

Goodman encouraged all tyre collectors and retailers to join the TSA Scheme.

“This ensures they receive pertinent information, assistance and possibly support with end markets for their tyres. Even if organisations do not reach accredited status, updates from TSA about the export ban may help them to manage their end-of-life tyres,” she said.