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A Sunshine Coast Council road trial in Queensland has demonstrated that crumb rubber produced from off-the-road tires can be used in asphalt and bitumen applications with performance comparable to conventional tire-derived crumb rubber, while a new lifecycle assessment indicates potential greenhouse gas savings when the modified pavement achieves a longer service life. The demonstration used crumb rubber produced entirely from OTR tires sourced from local construction equipment and incorporated it into several pavement treatments across Perlan Street, Railway Parade and Spalls Road. Twelve-month performance results found that OTR crumb rubber could be substituted for conventional crumb rubber without significant changes to asphalt production or placement, while laboratory testing indicated improved resistance to aging and environmental cracking. A 2026 lifecycle assessment by the National Transport Research Organisation found that although some crumb rubber-modified pavements have higher initial embodied emissions, longer service life and reduced maintenance could lower whole-of-life greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% under the scenarios studied.

TSA has opened Round 4 of its Market Development Fund, with applications available from September 1 to October 6 for projects that increase real-world use of Australian tire-derived material. The fund offers grants of up to $300,000 for eligible applicants across Australia and supports projects that move tire-derived material from concept to practical market use. TSA says the program is designed to build stronger long-term demand for material recovered from end-of-life tires by backing product innovation, infrastructure trials, local manufacturing and applied research. The fund is open through two streams: Demonstration & Infrastructure Projects and Research & Development. Supported activities must use Australian-sourced tire-derived material and demonstrate commercial, environmental or community value.

New consumer research commissioned by Tyre Stewardship Australia 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.

A new tire recycling facility has officially opened in northern Perth, adding further processing capacity for end-of-life tires in Western Australia. The $50 million CTS Tyre Recycling plant was opened this week, with industry representatives pointing to the project as another sign of investment in the state’s tire recycling infrastructure.

Tyrewise has reported continued progress in integrating New Zealand’s regulated tire recycling scheme into everyday industry operations, with growing participation from stakeholders and increasing interest in market development opportunities for end-of-life tires.

TSA is collaborating with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, on an early-stage research project investigating whether end-of-life tires could be used to produce green graphite for battery and energy-related applications.

A new documentary released by Tyre Stewardship Australia examines illegal tire dumping in Australia, focusing on the financial and environmental impacts associated with improper disposal of end-of-life tires. Titled Tyred and Wasted: Australia’s Illegal Tyre Dumping Crisis, the documentary explores how disposal fees paid by motorists and businesses for used tire collection may not always result in responsible processing, with some tires reportedly being dumped unlawfully rather than entering approved tire recycling channels.

The funding program is designed to help move projects from concept into commercial or large-scale application by supporting trials, demonstrations, and product development involving recycled tire materials. Eligible applicants can apply for grants of up to $300,000.

According to research commissioned by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), illegal tyre dumping cost local governments an estimated $6.5 million in 2022–23 alone. Approximately 300,000 tyres were retrieved from roadsides and bushland at an average cost of $22 per tyre—nearly triple the typical $7.60 disposal fee paid by consumers at retail outlets.