A peak state automotive body has welcomed the federal government’s inquiry into the tyre industry and how reuse and retreading can be improved.
Australia generates over 67 million end-of-life tyres each year, with many ending up in landfill, stockpiles, or exported without adequate oversight, said the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science overseeing the inquiry.
While commending the growing national focus on vehicle and tyre waste management, MTA Queensland is also urging the federal government to move beyond investigation and take decisive action.
That includes the introduction of a mandatory product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres and vehicles – to protect the environment and support responsible automotive businesses.
“The issue of waste tyres and end-of-life vehicle management can no longer be left to voluntary arrangements,” said Rod Camm, CEO of MTA Queensland.
“Queensland’s automotive industry is committed to sustainability, but rogue operators and fragmented policy responses are undermining legitimate businesses and damaging our environment.”
MTA Queensland said automotive businesses across Queensland are facing severe industrial waste collection delays, exacerbated by the global shipping crisis, labour shortages, the export ban on whole and baled tyres, and a lack of domestic manufacturing capacity for tyre-derived materials.
The cost of waste tyre collection and disposal has more than doubled since December 2021, creating an untenable economic and environmental situation.
“A co-regulated, mandatory framework would drive investment in recycling infrastructure, create local jobs in resource recovery, and prevent irresponsible disposal practices.”
MTA Queensland is calling for the introduction of a comprehensive end-of-life vehicle and tyre recycling scheme, including measures to:
• Mandate shared responsibility across the supply chain for tyre and vehicle disposal.
• Introduce tougher penalties for illegal dumping and stockpiling.
• Support the establishment of regional recycling and reprocessing facilities.
“These reforms would not only protect our environment but also support small and medium automotive businesses doing the right thing,” Camm added. “It’s about creating a level playing field and building a truly circular economy.”
Committee Chair, MP Rob Mitchell, said panel want to understand the full lifecycle of a tyre, and how circular economy practices in reuse, retreading and resource recovery can be improved.
“A key focus for the committee will be the development of high-value uses for tyre-derived materials, including tyre designs, recycling processes and alternative materials,” Mitchell explained.
The inquiry will also consider product stewardship schemes, infrastructure needs, regulatory settings, and environmental and community impacts.
“We are seeking input from all parts of the sector, from manufacturers and recyclers to researchers and community organisations,” Mitchell said.
‘This is a critical part of our economy with huge potential for innovation. We want to hear about how the Australian Government can support the tyre industry to become more sustainable into the future.’
Inquiry submissions close on Friday, January 26. Further information, including the terms of reference and details on how to make a submission, can be found on the committee’s website.