The UK produces more than 50 million used tyres every year, which currently costs the population a whopping £270 million to recycle, according to Business Waste. Existing industry laws mandate responsible tyre disposal to prevent environmental harm, but the company is pushing for a more sustainable and consumer-friendly approach. Business Waste, headquartered in York, wants to see the launch of free take-back schemes for used tyres as mandatory standard practice across all tyre manufacturers and resellers. Current tyre disposal laws 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 only three options when it comes to disposing of tyres — and all involve drivers footing the bill. Business Waste said some companies offer a take-back scheme but only if the motorist buys a new tyre from them. Drivers can also arrange collections or drop off their used tyres at set disposal facilities, but both options include fees. Despite these measures, tyre waste remains a challenge, with millions of used and unwanted tyres disposed without being recycled annually. Extended producer responsibility Business Waste has a solution to this persistent issue — 38 AFTERMARKET MAY 2024 TYRES AND TYRE BAY EQUIPMENT www.aftermarketonline.net introducing extended producer responsibility (EPR) to tyre manufacturers and resellers. EPR currently applies to packaging waste and imposes a responsibility on businesses that produce, supply, or import packaging to cover the costs of managing packaging waste, but the same should happen for tyres. Business Waste said the initiative could follow the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013, where any business selling electronics must offer a free take-back option for WEEE items (wherever the original was purchased). This would mean drivers could drop off their old tyres 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, the company 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. Business Waste co-founder Mark Hall said: “Free takeback schemes for tyres should be the norm, not an option. “This approach will significantly reduce the environmental impact of tyre waste and foster a culture of responsibility among manufacturers and retailers.” Business Waste's call to action aims to set a new standard in tyre recycling, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable waste management practices. The company is now urging policymakers and industry leaders to support the initiative, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. www.businesswaste.co.uk BID TO STEER TYRES INTO THE SUSTAINABILITY FAST LANE Should extended producer responsibility apply to tyres? One commercial waste management firm believes it should to set a standard in recycling
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