The Tyre Industry Federations Responsible Retailer initiative was officially launched at an event at the Ardencote Manor Hotel in Warwickshire on Friday (May 10).
The new initiative is designed specifically for retailers to help them manage their tyre disposal in line with industry best practice guidelines and to assist them in promoting this best practice to motorists. The scheme expands on a previously established voluntary scheme for tyre recyclers by now also seeking to help retailers comply with statutory regulations.
Developed in conjunction with the Environment Agency and supported by government-backed self-regulatory motor industry body, Motor Codes, it is hoped the initiative will help fight against illegal disposal of tyres and further drive up standards in the tyre recycling industry.
Retailers signing up to the voluntary scheme will receive annual certification to demonstrate their commitment, educational materials for motorists about responsible tyre disposal and promotional materials about the scheme, such as an e-newsletter and video.
A website has also been launched (click here for website), which includes a postcode-driven search facility to help retailers find a local collectors and a list of garages that have signed up to the initiative.
The initiative is also supported by the Independent Garage Association (IGA)s customer assurance scheme, Trust My Garage, which accredits independent garages that comply with IGA best practice.
TRA
Mike Wilson, president of the Tyre Recovery Association which represents members of the tyre recycling industry welcomed the new scheme.
He said: In the UK we generate some 40 million used car and van tyres each year which need to be recycled in a responsible manner. The industry has already developed robust and effective practices to handle these and we now need to concentrate our efforts and encourage retailers to act responsibly as well.
“The industry has already developed robust and effective practices to handle these and we now need to concentrate our efforts and encourage retailers to act responsibly as well”
Mike Wilson, Tyre Recovery Association
Business and energy minister Michael Fallon also welcomed the initiative, commenting that it encourages greater business transparency and strengthens the joint government and industry fight against illegal fly-tipping.
Mr Fallon said: Improper disposal of used tyres can have a nasty impact on the environment, so I very much welcome the extension of the industry-led Responsible Recycler scheme into the wider tyre supply chain.
Illegal
Since 2006, under the Landfill Directive, it has been illegal to send waste tyres to landfill. According to the TRA, the UKs voluntary recycling scheme manages to account for around 80% of used tyres arising, which are used for applications such as new products or as an energy source.
However, it stressed that the illegal storage, abandonment and export of tyres is the Environment Agencys fourth top risk in terms of illegal waste site types.
Mat Crocker, head of illegals and waste at the Environment Agency, said: Illegal disposal of tyres including the burning of tyres can result in significant pollution of the environment and misery for people living nearby.The Environment Agency welcomes this initiative that will better inform tyre retailers, support legitimate business and make it harder for criminals to dispose of tyres illegally.
The Responsible Retailer scheme expands on the Tyre Industry Federations Responsible Recycler Scheme, which was set up in 1999 to ensure that all used tyres collected from any designated premises are re-used or recycled in ways that comply with UK and European statutory regulations. Members of the scheme are subject to regular spot audit checks and the Scheme Charter, while used tyres processed by members are tracked and accounted for.
Earlier this month, TRA secretary general Peter Taylor wrote to environment secretary Owen Patterson to urge the government to tackle the high levels of malpractice associated with waste and recycling sites that are exempt from regulation by the Environment Agency (see letsrecycle.com story).
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