The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has issued a warning that the UK’s tyre recycling industry could face a collapse akin to the plastics sector. The alert follows the recent closures of major plastics reprocessing facilities, driven by market pressures. The TRA believes similar pressures threaten the UK’s used tyre processing capacity, much of which is currently underutilised.
According to the association, the UK exports around 1,000 tonnes of whole waste tyres daily, with a significant portion going to uncontrolled and illegal processors overseas. This occurs despite the UK having at least 150,000 tonnes of idle domestic shredding capacity. The TRA argues this capacity could be better used if whole tyre exports were restricted.
Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, stated: “The recent news of major plastics recycling plants closing is a canary in the coal mine for the wider UK recycling industry. As one of Biffa’s senior managers rightly said, these sites are closing because there isn’t a level playing field. That is exactly the same problem our sector faces.”
The TRA has presented its “Road to Reform” plan to the Environment Agency, outlining a five-step path to enhance verification and enforce existing regulations. The plan includes strengthening the Annex VII process and increasing responsibility for shipping lines. Taylor added: “We are keen to meet with them at the earliest opportunity to discuss the plan and see the overdue reforms come into effect.”
Source: Resource.co
 
										 
									
									 
										
									 
										
									 
										
									 
										
									 
										
									 
										
									
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