Regulations have now been approved that will change the way New Zealand manages around 6.5 million tyres each year that reach their end of life.
It is the final step in the government-backed Tyrewise regulated product stewardship scheme, with controls on what tyres can be imported and sold in New Zealand, and how old tyres are managed.
Auto Stewardship New Zealand chair Mark Gilbert says the regulation will reduce the environmental, economic, and societal harm posed by end-of-life tyres that would otherwise be dumped, illegally stockpiled or landfilled.
Auto Stewardship New Zealand is the not-for-profit charitable trust which provides governance for the accredited product stewardship scheme.
A key part of the regulation is replacing the existing ad hoc ‘environmental’ or disposal charges New Zealanders currently face when disposing of old tyres.
The tyre stewardship fee will be charged on eligible tyres imported into the country, whether loose or attached to a vehicle.
“It is excellent news to have the regulation published,” Gilbert says.
*Go to AutoTalk to read more about the scheme.
