Tyre recycling scheme welcomed

14 March 2012

Tyre recycling scheme welcomed

Motor Trade Association (MTA) is delighted that Minister for the Environment Hon Dr Nick Smith has agreed to support funding the development of a tyre product stewardship scheme for New Zealand.

MTA Advocacy and Training General Manager, Dougal Morrison says that MTA has been working on this project for some time and that it is pleasing to see common interest and common sense prevail.

“Used tyres too often end up as an eyesore and environmental hazard. With all the key stakeholders working together, we should be able to turn what is a problem into a new product stream,” says Morrison.

“MTA members often have problems finding ways to re-use tyres – there are only so many silage stacks in New Zealand. Most tyres, even if collected by reputable collectors end up in landfills around the country.”

The Minister has agreed to provide funding to the Product Stewardship Foundation, which will contract the 3R Group to research options for tyre product stewardship and develop appropriate options. MTA has worked closely with 3R, Ministry for the Environment and the other key stakeholders to get the funding approved.

MTA would like to see at least 90 percent (around 4 million) tyres annually in New Zealand collected and processed into other products. This is likely to be achievable with all of the key associations from the motor industry, tyre companies and local government supporting the concept.

ENDS

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