The determination by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission represents a landmark decision and the culmination of more than a decade of work towards the implementation of a joint Industry Tyre Stewardship Scheme.
Mr Richard Dudley, C.E.O. of the Australian Motor Industry Federation says:
“This is a historic moment for the Australian Automotive Industry. This outcome illustrates the shared commitment of key participants, including the Government, towards reducing the impact of motor vehicles on our nation’s landscape and our community.
In practice today’s Determination by the A.C.C.C. allows the establishment of Tyre Stewardship Australia, a non-for-profit body funded by an end-user contribution equivalent to 25 cents per passenger car tyre. The main purpose of T.S.A. will be to reverse current unsustainable practices associated with the collection and the disposal of end-of-life tyres." He said.
In a comment regarding the determination, ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper provided a clear and encouraging message for all present and future players in the Scheme:
“The ACCC is satisfied that the Scheme is likely to result in a benefit to the public by reducing the volume of used tyres entering the domestic waste stream or being exported overseas and burned for fuel in an environmentally unsustainable way...This will reduce the environmental and health and safety hazards associated with such disposal methods”.
In the words of Mr Silvio de Denaro, Secretary of the Australian Tyre Industry Council: “The Scheme will establish better ways of collecting and disposing of end-of-life tyres ensuring that over time this resource acquires a positive value and is actively sought by recyclers. New markets for tyre-derived products will be encouraged and developed: we very much look forward to working with other important Industry players such as the Australian Motor Industry Federation in developing and implementing this Stewardship Scheme.
For further information please refer to http://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-approves-national-tyre-stewardship-program or contact: Mr Richard Dudley, Chief Executive Officer of AMIF on (02) 6273 8222 or 0412 146 828.