Product stewardship for end of life tyres

At the November 2009 EPHC meeting, environment ministers committed to work with industry, governments and the community to find appropriate solutions for the responsible management of end of life tyres.

Governments will work with the tyre industry and other stakeholders to develop industry-led schemes to increase recycling and expand the market for tyre derived products. This will be achieved through the National Waste Policy product stewardship framework.

The framework will provide a consistent approach to reducing the environmental footprint and health and safety risks of specified manufactured products and materials, particularly at the end of their useful life. It will have a provision for industry-led schemes to be accredited, and will ensure schemes meet national standards and are transparent and accountable.

Industry-led schemes will aim to open up new local markets for managing end of life tyres. Many opportunities exist for using end of life tyres including for road construction material and playgrounds with new options emerging such as flexible paints and glues.

For more information about product stewardship arrangements  <link to http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/tyres/index.html>