South Africa’s waste tire management system is being cited as an example of how practical environmental programs can influence economic policy, job creation and circular economy development. In a commentary, Dr. Chris Crozier of the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa argued that the country’s experience with waste tires shows the importance of well-designed systems, reliable data, ring-fenced funding and private sector participation. The article said South Africa discards around 70,000 tires every day, creating a continuous stream of recoverable material that could support tire recycling, rubber recycling, small enterprises and local economic activity if managed through an effective national framework.

Former REDISA program cited as working model

According to Crozier, the REDISA waste tire program operated as a functional national system between 2013 and 2017. During that period, it reportedly created more than 3,000 jobs and supported the establishment of 226 small and medium-sized enterprises. The commentary said the program showed how environmental management, enterprise development and employment could be connected without direct cost to the state.

In 2017, REDISA was removed from its role in waste tire management. Crozier noted that the Supreme Court of Appeal later found the removal unlawful in 2019, but the system was not reinstated. Responsibility moved to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Waste Management Bureau.

Waste Management Bureau criticized over tire diversion

The commentary said the Waste Management Bureau has not met tire diversion targets over the past eight years. It also referred to recent tenders for large-scale waste tire depot space and the sale of tire recycling equipment that was purchased but not put into use.

Crozier argued that the result has been a shift away from active recycling and resource recovery toward storage. The article linked this situation to job losses, overcrowded depots, fire risks, groundwater contamination and illegal tire burning, which can release harmful fumes.

Small collectors and recyclers described as central to the system

The article said micro-collectors, transporters and small recyclers were once an important part of South Africa’s waste tire management system. Crozier argued that many of these participants have since been pushed out of the sector, weakening local economic activity and reducing opportunities for inclusive growth.

According to the commentary, these workers are often overlooked in national budget and policy discussions, despite their role in keeping communities clean, supporting families and maintaining local recycling activity.

Waste tires presented as circular economy opportunity

Crozier said effective management of waste streams can contribute to economic growth and cited research suggesting that better handling of 13 waste streams could raise South Africa’s GDP growth by up to 1.5 percentage points.

The article presented waste tires as a recoverable resource rather than only a disposal problem. Depending on processing technology and market demand, end-of-life tires can be used in tire recycling applications such as crumb rubber, rubberized asphalt, molded rubber products, tire-derived fuel, pyrolysis and recovered carbon black production.

Levy use and data quality questioned

The commentary said South Africa collects an environmental levy of R2.30 per kilogram on tire sales and that cumulative revenue has exceeded R5 billion since 2017. Crozier argued that less than half of this revenue has been spent on waste tire management, which he said undermines public trust and policy effectiveness.

The article called for levy ring-fencing to be enforced so that funds raised for tire management are used for that purpose. It also criticized the quality of data used by the Waste Management Bureau, describing it as outdated and inconsistent, and argued that reliable information is necessary for effective waste policy.

Private sector participation and long-term planning urged

Crozier said the government does not need to address the waste tire challenge alone and argued that regulated private sector participation can bring operational expertise, innovation and accountability.

The article also called for longer planning horizons, noting that circular economy infrastructure requires stable, multi-year commitments. Crozier said short-term budgeting and annual policy changes can discourage investment and make it harder to build partnerships.

Waste tire policy linked to broader economic governance

The commentary argued that South Africa’s economic recovery will not depend only on large infrastructure programs or macroeconomic reforms. It said smaller systems that have previously delivered measurable results should also be restored or scaled where evidence supports them.

Crozier concluded that improving waste tire management would support inclusive growth, sustainability and fiscal responsibility by combining functioning institutions, small business participation and credible governance.

Article source: Sunday Independent.