South Island processing restriction requires more attention.

COLLECTION of more than 1.12 million end-of-life tyres for processing and recycling between April 1 and June 30 has been noted by a specialist stewardship operation.

However, in presenting this data, nationwide tyre recycling scheme Tyrewise has also raised concern about some areas of the country being less well sorted for collections than others.

While the scheme is making strong progress and has the backing of its regulator, processing capacity remains tight in the South Island, says Mark Gilbert, chair of Auto Stewardship New Zealand, which oversees the initiative.

Gilbert says the scheme’s market development strategy and the Tyrewise Fund will help address this.

“We’re actively exploring ways to expand infrastructure and link with projects like the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Rubber-in-Roading initiative,” he says.

More than 19,000 collections were booked by 6500 app users over the three-month period highlighted in a release today, centring on a milestone report, it’s third since coming into being.

The report shows the scheme having exceeded its transport target, with 19,800 tonnes of collections paid for against an 18,000-tonne goal. Payment accuracy sits at 100 percent.

Participation continues to grow, with 4804 registered locations able to book tyre collections and 88 public collection sites operating across 13 regions. Work is under way to establish public sites in two remaining regions.

Gilbert says industry sentiment is strongly positive and confidence in responsibilities is also high.

“Tyrewise is more than just a waste solution – it’s an opportunity to build a circular economy, create jobs and protect our environment.”