While Tyrecycle welcomes the Australian Environment Minister’s agreement to ban the export of whole baled tyres, the recycler has called the two-year implementation delay disappointing.
According to a Tyrecycle statement, the decision to delay implementation also represents a missed opportunity to grow local markets.
“To learn the ban specific to whole-baled tyres won’t be implemented until December 2021, six months after plastics which are far more challenging, seems nonsensical,” the statement reads.
“Not only is there already sufficient processing capacity in Australia for end-of-life tyres, but there are also existing local and overseas markets for recycled tyre products.”
A new report commissioned by the Australian Tyre Recyclers Association (ATRA) shows that present Australian capacity is capable of recycling all the material currently exported as bales.
“We already have the capability to recycle tyres for use in asphalt for road surfacing, in tile adhesive, in soft fall and sporting surfaces and as tyre-derived fuels to replace fossil fuel use,” the statement reads.
“All we need is a commitment to increased levels of domestic procurement for tyre-derived products.”
The statement suggests that delayed timeframes will lead to the continued exportation of roughly 70,000 tonnes of whole bales tyres per year.
“Indian authorities are presently seeking to clamp down on imports of used tyres and a recent decision by India’s Green Tribunal leans toward banning any imports of whole tyres that would be used in batch pyrolysis reactors. Surely, it’s a far more ethical and environmentally responsible approach for Australia to act first,” the statement reads.
“A ban, implemented sooner rather than later stands to create local jobs, attract investment in domestic infrastructure and technology, and position Australia as a global leader in the circular economy.”
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