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Why tyres are an environmental issue

Old and unwanted tyres are a growing problem in New Zealand and overseas because:

  • whole tyres cause problems in landfills because they are bulky, trap air, and move around.
  • tyres stockpiled above ground are a major fire risk. Tyre fires produce highly toxic gases and are hard to control. The last major New Zealand tyre fire cost local authorities and the Department of Conservation over $90,000 in fire fighting and clean-up costs.

The number of tyres requiring disposal in New Zealand has increased sharply since the early 1990s. An estimated 3-4 million tyres, or one tyre for every New Zealander, require disposal or recycling each year. A small proportion of these tyres are recycled. A higher proportion are presently put in consented landfills or used on farms as silage weights. Some areas have experienced problems with illegal dumping, notably in the Waikato.

There is a risk of more unauthorised dumping in other areas as the dairy boom slows, vehicle numbers increase, and more landfills ban the disposal of whole tyres. The Ministry for the Environment is working to develop more sustainable management practices for tyres before tyre management problems escalate.

For more information on management issues with tyres see The Firecone Report.

Last updated: 17 September 2007