The Government is investigating whether to implement a programme that would help dispose of products like old tyres more effectively.
The “product stewardship schemes”, which might be a mix of voluntary and mandatory, would plan out how products like tyres could eventually be disposed of.
“This work will generate a world leading step change in how we manage waste in New Zealand. This leadership will accelerate the long overdue shift to a circular approach to the economy and help to create a sustainable, productive and inclusive economy,” associate environment minister Eugenie Sage says.
It is one of several pieces of work that will be undertaken by the Ministry for the Environment in an effort to reduce waste.
Industry working group Tyrewise says it is excited about the prospect of working with the Government on the scheme.
“Tyrewise is ready to move forward with a mandatory product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres (ELT), and recognises there is a process to be followed first.
“Tyrewise will be working with Government and industry to reach the point at which priority product can be declared, as efficiently as possible.”
Recent developments in the end-of-life tyre market show positive steps are already being made, Tyrewise says.
These include the opening of Waste Management’s new tyre recycling facility in Auckland in May this year, and building capacity for Golden Bay Cement to use ELTs.
“These facilities compliment the proposed model for ELT product stewardship as they provide new onshore processing capabilities.”
