Tyrewise, Aotearoa New Zealand’s national scheme for collecting and recycling tyres, has released its first annual report – marked by millions of tyres collected, thousands of registered partners, and a fast-growing recycling industry
The report recognises how the tyre supply chain came together on the path to tackle a difficult waste stream. It’s a snapshot of its first 13 months of operation, including the first seven months of tyre collections. Highlights include:
– 36,801 tonnes of tyres collected (the equivalent to 4.6 million passenger car tyres)
– 4,624 registered partners (from tyre importers and retailers to transporters and recyclers)
– 86 public collection sites in 13 regions, and growing
Bridgestone’s NZ General Manager Sales and Operations-Fleet Jeremy Mackintosh says the scheme has transformed the way the sector deals with waste tyres. “The scheme brought the industry together in a way that wasn’t there before,” he says.
That’s a sentiment echoed by Adele Rose, CEO of Tyrewise Scheme Managers 3R Group. “Tyrewise has created a system-wide change in one of the most widespread industries in New Zealand. Whether you own a car or ride a bus, we all contribute to tyre waste – now we’re all part of the solution,” Rose says.
“Tyres have become the poster child for turning a challenging waste stream into an opportunity using product stewardship and circular economy principles.
“Year one proved that regulated product stewardship works and works well. We’ve gone from a situation where millions of end-of-life tyres were being landfilled, stockpiled, or illegally dumped, to them being collected for recycling or repurposing – creating jobs, value and adding to the economy,” Rose adds.
Tyrewise is governed by charitable trust Auto Stewardship New Zealand (ASNZ) and is funded by the tyre stewardship fee, which is charged on the sale of all new, regulated tyres in New Zealand.
The fee means tyre consumers can leave their old tyres with registered partners for collection by the scheme’s network of registered transporters, Rose says. Members of the public can also drop off up to five tyres for free at registered public collection sites, typically transfer stations or community recycling facilities.
ASNZ Independent Chair Mark Gilbert says the success of the scheme is largely due to the “collaborative spirit, expertise and enthusiasm of our partners and stakeholders.” He acknowledges ASNZ and Tyrewise have work to do to nurture market demand for products made from recycled rubber materials.
In the second year the scheme will focus on strengthening connections and growing the domestic market to reach the goal of 55,000 tonnes of tyre-derived rubber sold into the domestic market by year seven, he says.
To help stimulate market growth, Puna Taurima, the Tyrewise Fund, launched in July 2025, attracting over 60 expressions of interest in funding for research and development, emerging markets and community development.
A recently announced initiative with Tyre Stewardship Australia – the Trans-Tasman Tyre Recycling Alliance – will prioritise initiatives which create high value, circular economy outcomes for end-of-life tyres in both New Zealand and Australia.
Gilbert believes the tyre recycling industry in New Zealand is only set to grow. “With the supply of material now flowing, research and development, investment in technology and changes in procurement practices will surely follow,” he says. Read the full report HERE
