New Zealand Launches First National Tyre Recycling Scheme with Free Collections

• New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme, ‘Tyrewise,’ is now fully operational.
• The scheme offers free tyre collections for businesses and the public across the country.
• A tyre stewardship fee will fund the initiative, replacing previous ad-hoc disposal charges.

New Zealand’s inaugural national tyre recycling scheme, ‘Tyrewise,’ is now fully operational, with free collections beginning today. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds hailed the initiative as a critical step in tackling a persistent environmental issue.

“The first priority product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres marks a significant step toward addressing a long-standing issue for our country,” Ms Simmonds says.

Each year, around 6.5 million tyres are imported into New Zealand, with only 40 per cent being recycled, reprocessed, or exported. The remaining tyres often end up in landfills, stockpiles, or are illegally dumped, placing a significant burden on local communities and councils. “This will change under the new scheme,” she says.

Led by the industry, the ‘Tyrewise’ scheme will see end-of-life tyres collected, processed, and transformed into new products. Starting today, tyre shops and other ‘generators’ can have their old tyres collected at no cost. Additionally, the public can dispose of up to five worn-out tyres per day for free at registered collection sites across the country.

“With Tyrewise, New Zealanders now have assurance that tyre disposal will be responsibly and sustainably managed wherever you are based,” says Ms Simmonds.

The scheme is funded by a tyre stewardship fee, which has been integrated into the cost of all newly imported tyres since 1 March 2024. This fee replaces the previous system of ad-hoc disposal charges that tyre retailers often imposed.

“The tyre stewardship fee is similar to the disposal charges that New Zealanders were already paying, but with a crucial difference—part of the revenue will now be invested into local infrastructure and into research for new sustainable uses for end-of-life tyres,” Ms Simmonds says.

By collaborating with the industry, New Zealand’s first priority product stewardship scheme represents a significant advancement towards an environmentally responsible waste management system.