The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has raised concerns with the UK government, warning that its failure to act on necessary policy reforms is causing significant harm to the industry. The association expressed concern that Indian trade bodies are considering ending the import of waste tyres from the UK.

Recently, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh MP stated that she could not commit to regulatory improvements after being questioned in the House of Commons by Tessa Munt MP.

The TRA emphasised that, despite the government’s pledge to end T8 exemptions, no timeline has been provided for implementing the policy. The T8 exemption currently allows for the treatment of small quantities of waste end-of-life tyres through methods such as baling, shredding, peeling, shaving, or granulating.

The association also highlighted "stark evidence" from Indian tyre trade bodies indicating that current UK controls are failing to ensure that UK tyre waste is being managed in an environmentally responsible manner. The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), representing 95% of India’s tyre industry, has called for an end to the import of waste tyres from the UK. ATMA is recognised as a leading authority in the industry and a key source of statistical data.

The European Union is currently revising its Waste Shipment Rules, which regulate the export of waste. The TRA noted: “The UK continues to operate under waste controls that were retained following Brexit. While the EU is overhauling its Waste Shipment Rules, which it considers inadequate, newly appointed UK ministers have maintained the complacent stance of the previous Conservative government. Despite the opportunities Brexit provides for the UK to implement more innovative and efficient waste policies, the current government appears to be recycling outdated approaches.”

Urgency for Reform

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, stressed the importance of urgent reform. “From the perspective of UK tyre recovery operators, the only recycling agenda the current ministers seem to support is the outdated approach of the previous administration. If the UK does not take the lead, we risk finding ourselves at the mercy of regulations set by foreign governments. To create a truly circular economy and enhance environmental management, we need a robust UK tyre recovery industry both now and in the future. We must address exports and end the T8 exemption immediately. The status quo is no longer tenable."

He continued, "Current UK regulations, rather than fostering a domestic recycling industry, actually facilitate exports, undermining the future development of our sector. The TRA is advocating for measures that will instil investor confidence and drive the next generation of technological advancements, strengthening the resilience of the domestic industry. At present, we have unused capacity while tyre exports continue to harm the environment. Our members require regulatory reform to remain viable. The long-term waste management strategy outlined by the Secretary of State last summer seems distant from reality. Immediate action is imperative.”
 

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