The Western Australian Government has published findings from the National Project on Options for End-of-Life Tyres, a comprehensive review of how Australia manages used tyres. The report provides strong evidence that, while the voluntary Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS) has delivered benefits, it cannot reach its full potential without regulation.

According to the study, the voluntary framework has helped grow end markets for tyre-derived materials over the past decade but faces structural limits, including “free riders,” ongoing costs for local communities, and missed opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Currently, only about 30,000 tonnes of tyres are recycled locally each year, with more than $50 million in resource value from off-the-road tyres lost annually. Reliance on exports also leaves the system vulnerable to fluctuating shipping costs, commodity prices, and exchange rates.

The report identifies significant potential for governments to expand recovery systems and develop higher-value markets. Advanced recovery pathways could unlock tens of millions of dollars in additional resource value each year and create new jobs in recycling industries. The conclusion is that only a regulated, broad-based product stewardship scheme can address these challenges effectively.

Industry body Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has welcomed the findings, noting that they align with its long-standing position. TSA is urging Federal and State Environment Ministers to move toward a full cost-benefit analysis of a mandatory scheme, arguing that regulation would strengthen market stability, improve circular economy outcomes, and create long-term benefits for recyclers and manufacturers.

Soure: Tyre Stewardship Australia.