(GUF) TYRES - WAITING FOR CHANGE

Belgium runs one of the most advanced and effective tyre EPR systems globally, achieving near-universal collection, high recycling rates, and public trust.

Introduced in 2004, its Tyre EPR Scheme replaced the previous 1995 scheme and obligates manufacturers, importers, and sellers to take financial and physical responsibility for tyres and covers all end-of-life tyres (ELTs), with strict legal enforcement.

The system uses a single collective PRO to manage all collection and recycling which is essentially producer-led but under strong government oversight which ensures consistency, transparency, and performance. Targets are strict - 100% collection target enforced with material recovery being prioritised over energy recovery - tyres must be accepted “one-for-one” at point of sale or service.

Funded by the Advance Disposal Fee (ADF) which is included in the tyre price, the fee is visible to consumers (no hidden charges) with all funds being used to pay for collection, sorting, and recycling. With a network of approx. 5,400 nationwide collection points (estimated) including garages, civic amenity sites, etc. the scheme aims for high convenience and accessibility for consumers.

The UK on the otherhand does not have a tyre-specific Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme and exports around 300,000–370,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres each year - equivalent to approximately 1,000 tonnes per day leaving the UK.

India remains the dominant destination, receiving about 70% of exported UK tyres.

The UK exports more tyres than it recycles at home to countries with weaker environmental controls. This not only causes pollution abroad but also undermines UK recycling businesses. Stronger regulation (e.g. banning whole-tyre exports or removing T8 exemptions) is urgently needed. Please click - link.

A Tyre News report in early May indicated DEFRA is reviewing T8 and “considering tighter controls on ELT exports”. - link - more like this (tyres) link - more like this (India) - link

(GUF) TWEAKING THE SYSTEM

Let's give Defra and all concerned a collective pat on the back by recognising the significant strides being made through the UK’s evolving waste legislation. From Simpler Recycling to Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), the direction of travel is encouraging and long overdue. 

However, as with all systems, refinement is key. In my humble opinion, there are two immediate opportunities to enhance both the environmental credibility and operational practicality of current reforms:

1. Give Glass the Credit It Deserves under pEPR

Glass remains one of the most circular packaging materials in existence; endlessly recyclable without degradation, widely collected, and consistently processed domestically. Yet under the current pEPR fee modulation, it is financially penalised relative to less circular options. This risks incentivising a shift away from glass towards lower-cost, higher-impact materials like plastic.

Recommendation: Adjust pEPR modulated fees to reflect true circular value and material sustainability, rewarding glass for its proven performance.

2. Reintroduce the 5kg Threshold for Business Food Waste Collections

Mandating food waste collections for all businesses regardless of output has unintentionally created inefficiencies. In many cases, large vehicles are dispatched to collect negligible volumes (e.g. a single banana skin), with emissions from transport far outweighing the environmental benefit of anaerobic digestion.

Recommendation: Reinstate the minimum threshold of 5kg/week for obligated food waste collections from businesses, ensuring resource use is proportionate and impactful.

The UK is on the right path, but like all good systems, perfection rarely comes first time. With some focused adjustments, we can maximise environmental returns, reduce confusion, and reinforce trust in these policies. More like this (Defra) - link

DEFRA BOOSTS PLASTIC USE

And the prize for “Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory” goes to…

DEFRA

for designing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme that somehow encourages the use of less recyclable, less circular materials.

In a plot twist that absolutely no one asked for - glass - only one of the most circular materials on planet Earth is being penalised for its weight; while lighter, fossil-based plastics get off lightly (pun very much intended). Modulated fees? More like mood-swinging fines.

To quote the wise philosophers of the 90s - Aqua - “Life in plastic, it's fantastic.” - and apparently, it's also government approved.

More like this - Defra - link

#EPR

#CircularEconomy

#GlassHalfFull

#PlasticFantastic

#PolicyFacepalm

#Greenwashing