TSA campaigns for greater end-of-life tyre responsibility in Australia

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) is campaigning for greater responsibility for End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) in Australia. As whilst tyre manufacturers fund Australia's Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme, vehicle brands have largely avoided contributing to the management of ELTs.

The TSA Scheme is a voluntary, industry-led framework managed by the non-profit company Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) and funded by a voluntary levy paid by participating tyre importers for every new tyre brought into Australia.

A significant issue revolves around the fact that approximately one-sixth of the passenger tyres imported into Australia arrive pre-fitted to new cars and with vehicle manufacturers not currently contributing to the scheme, these tyres effectively bypass the funding model.

TSA's ultimate objective is to evolve from a voluntary system to a national, mandatory system and the organisation has given itself a deadline of three to four years to achieve 90% market participation under the voluntary scheme. 

Australia generates more than 67 million ELTs annually, presenting a significant environmental challenge and a significant percentage of these tyres are illegally dumped, stockpiled, or end up in landfills, posing risks of toxic fires and developing into breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

 In 2025, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) highlighted the potential for ELT recycling to create a circular economy, noting successful programs in Chile and Western Australia for mining tyres. Therefore incorporating vehicle manufacturers into the stewardship scheme is vital for achieving a fully circular tyre economy nationwide.

The current system places the financial responsibility for ELT management almost entirely on tyre importers, even though automotive brands are also part of the supply chain. The call for action aims to create a more equitable system where all industry players contribute. Currently only two automotive brands, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, are acknowledged as treating tyre stewardship as part of their value proposition.

By highlighting the issue, TSA aims to influence consumer and industry behaviour and promote greater transparency in the tyre lifecycle which could include clearer labelling on new vehicles about the stewardship fee for the factory-fitted tyres.

By getting automotive brands to contribute, the scheme would gain more funding, allowing for increased investment in research and market development for recycled tyre products and in turn, reduce waste and support Australia's circular economy.