New consumer research commissioned by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has found strong public support for national rules requiring used tires to be properly collected and recycled. The YouGov study, conducted in March 2026 among 1,051 vehicle owners, found that 91% support national rules for used tire collection and recycling, while 92% believe the tire industry should take greater responsibility. TSA said the findings strengthen the case for a whole-of-supply-chain mandatory tire product stewardship scheme covering importers, retailers, collectors, recyclers and other participants. The survey also found concerns over transparency, illegal dumping and disposal fees, with many motorists unsure what happens to their old tires after replacement. TSA said the results show that Australia’s voluntary approach is no longer enough to deliver the accountability, traceability and environmental outcomes consumers expect.

Survey shows strong support for national rules

The national YouGov research found that nine in ten Australian vehicle owners support mandatory national rules to ensure used tires are collected and recycled responsibly. TSA said the survey results show clear public backing for stronger tire recycling regulation and greater accountability across the tire supply chain.

The findings come as the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science conducts its Inquiry into the Australian Tire Industry. TSA is calling for a mandatory national tire product stewardship scheme that applies across the whole supply chain.

Consumers want transparency over disposal fees

The research found a gap between what consumers expect and what they believe currently happens to end-of-life tires. Almost half of surveyed vehicle owners, or 48%, said they were not confident used tires are disposed of responsibly. Among those who replaced tires in the past three years, 61% said they were not told what would happen to their old tires.

TSA CEO Lina Goodman said the research shows Australians want certainty that disposal fees lead to real environmental outcomes. She said consumers are asking for a fair system in which payment at the point of tire replacement guarantees responsible end-of-life management.

Illegal dumping remains a public concern

The survey found that 31% of vehicle owners believe used tires are being illegally dumped, while 34% said they had seen or heard about dumped tires in their community during the previous 12 months. TSA said these findings show why stronger collection, recycling and enforcement systems are needed.

Support for stronger accountability was also high. The survey found that 87% of respondents support increased penalties for illegal tire dumping, while 80% agree that local councils should not have to use ratepayer funds to clean up illegally dumped tires.

Motorists willing to pay for responsible tire management

Vehicle owners nominated around $6 per tire as a reasonable fee if it guaranteed responsible end-of-life tire management. Among respondents who knew they had paid a disposal fee at their most recent tire replacement, the average fee was around $8 per tire.

TSA said this compares with its current voluntary levy, equivalent to 25 cents per passenger tire. The organization also said only 53% of tire importers by volume currently contribute to the voluntary scheme, reinforcing its argument for a mandatory product stewardship model.

Younger Australians show strongest support

The survey found that younger Australians were among the strongest supporters of reform. Gen Z respondents nominated $7.80 per tire as a reasonable fee, while Millennials nominated $7.33.

Younger respondents were also more likely to accept personal responsibility for tire disposal. TSA said 86% of Gen Z respondents agreed that consumers have a responsibility to ensure tires are disposed of properly.

TSA calls for whole-of-supply-chain stewardship

TSA said a mandatory national tire product stewardship scheme would help ensure consistent standards for tire importers, retailers, collectors, recyclers and other supply chain participants. The organization said such a system would improve transparency and accountability for consumers, industry and government.

The proposed approach would replace the limitations of the current voluntary model by setting clearer obligations across the tire lifecycle. TSA said Australians are calling for stronger rules, better information and fairer responsibility for used tire management.

Mandatory scheme linked to circular economy outcomes

Stronger national rules could support better collection, processing and market development for tire recycling in Australia. End-of-life tires can be recovered through routes such as retreading, mechanical recycling, crumb rubber production, rubberized asphalt, tire-derived aggregate, molded rubber products and other circular economy applications.

TSA said the survey provides a clear mandate for reform. With consumers willing to pay a fair fee and demanding transparency at the counter, the organization argues that a mandatory national system is needed to keep used tires out of the environment and move them into responsible recycling and recovery pathways.

Article source: TSA.