We’re very pleased to announce that we’re now accredited with the TSA, Tyre Stewardship Australia, and their voluntary Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme.

At S & J Australian Scrap Tyre Disposals, we’re conscious about our impact on the environment. Tyres that have reached the end of their lives are a complex waste product, and they need unique methods of disposal and recycling to reduce environmental harm and resource wastage. It’s a special challenge, but one that we’re willing to undertake to benefit our economy and our country.

TSA’s ACCC-authorised Tyre Product Stewardship Schemewas introduced in 2014 by Australia’s Minister for the Environment, the Honourable Greg Hunt MP, in conjunction with tyre industry leaders keen to developnew initiativesfor more sustainable use of Australia’s end-of-life tyres. The body was formed to generate research and investment in viable markets for recycling tyres—and to create new industries and employment opportunities that can turn a difficult waste product into a valuable commodity.

51 million car tyres are discarded in Australia every year, and only 5% are recycled, with the rest being sent to landfill, illegal dumps and overseas for different uses. That’s a lot of wastage we’re happy to reduce: by joining the TSA, S & J Australian Scrap Tyre Disposals is moving into a bright future where end-of-life tyres being transformed into soft fall playground surfaces, playing fields, industrial and commercial flooring, brake pads, and road surfacing.

The TSA is also supporting research and development into new uses for end-of-life tyres through its Tyre Stewardship Research Fund. It aims to support collaborative research in high priority technologies within Australia, and to attract international expertise to the Australian industry. It aims to make Australia a player on the international field of tyre technology and research, and contribute to global sustainability while helping our researchers gain recognition for their innovations.

Some of Australia’s biggest companies are also boasting accreditation with the TSA, including Australia Post, Kmart Tyre and Auto, and Bridgestone. The Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme is growing, and while many manufacturers, recyclers and transporters have become members, its long-term success does depend on recruiting tyre stores and fleets. The goal is to increase Australia’s tyre recycling rate from 5% to 50% over five years, and the more responsible businesses involved, the better the chances of success.

It’s a goal we’re willing to work hard to reach, because of the huge benefits it delivers. The tyres we’re disposing of are no longer waste: they’re a resource stream that’s contributing to Australia’s recycling industry. They’re becoming new markets to support our economy. And they’re supporting our existing tyre industries to improve their environmental management and corporate social responsibility strategies.

We’re very happy to be part of minimising the environmental and health impacts of end-of-life tyres, helping Australia’s tyre recycling industry, and growing the markets for recycled tyre products. We’re excited to move into this new age of sustainability with our responsible partners, and very pleased to support environmental initiatives that so greatly benefit our little corner of the world.

The Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme a commitment we’re proud to make, and at S & J Australian Scrap Tyre Disposals, we’ll continue to support the initiative into the future and encourage other businesses to do the same.