Tyre overhaul proposed for Australia after parlimentary report released
A federal parliament committee has recommended Australia adopt a nationwide, unified approach to used tyres.
The Australian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science has tabled its report into the Australian tyre industry, making 12 recommendations to improve how end-of-life tyres are managed locally.
The report, titled When the rubber hits the road, found Australians used about 20 million passenger vehicle tyres in 2023-24 – consisting of those on cars, utes, SUVs and motorcycles – making up 190,000 tonnes of the 537,000 tonnes of used tyres generated across that period.
According to the report, passenger vehicle, truck and bus tyres have a combined recovery rate of 87 per cent, though higher rates are achievable, citing data from the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, which have a recovery rate of 97 per cent.
The committee has recommended a review of how replacement tyres are regulated, given Australian Design Rules only apply to tyres fitted to new vehicles when it leaves the dealership.
Data from Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) shows about 84 per cent of tyres are imported as replacements, with the Australian Tyre Industry Council telling the inquiry that no standard is applied or enforced on them.
An independent audit of the voluntary Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme has been recommended, as has consideration of a mandatory national scheme, with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) claiming retailers typically pay $1.50 to $5.50 per tyre to licensed collectors, though they can be undercut by those who don’t take part in the scheme.
Disposal costs are also a factor in illegal dumping, with Melbourne’s Hume City Council telling the inquiry its fees range from $10 for a motorcycle tyre to $125 the largest tyres, while a car tyre on a rim costs $20 to be disposed of.
With up to 3.2 million electric vehicle (EV) tyres predicted to enter the waste stream annually by 2034, this could place an additional load on the industry, due to these typically heavier vehicles having tyres which wear faster.
The report has been welcomed by the TSA, with chief executive Lina Goodman saying the Committee made “a compelling case for reform”.
“The Government’s own parliamentary committee has now confirmed what the states have also concluded: action is required,” Goodman added.
“There is broad agreement across the tyre supply chain, across governments and across the community that Australia needs national rules for used tyres. The Committee has given the Government a clear roadmap. What is needed now is a commitment from government to act on these 12 recommendations.”
Jordan Mulach
The recommendations are far less controversial than what is being implemented in California, where from 2033 motorists will be effectively banned from fitting new tyres to their vehicles which are less energy efficient than those it was originally fitted with.
The California Energy Commission claims it will cut about two million tonnes of CO2 a year and save drivers nearly US$1 billion (A$1.4 billion) annually in fuel and electricity, at an added cost of US$1.50 (A$2.11) to US$6.50 (A$9.13) per tyre.
While this caused concerns from enthusiasts about reduced choice, exemptions cover competition, large off-road and all-weather winter performance tyres.
