Sustainable Tyre Disposal: Developing a Circular Economy Model for Regional Victoria
Description
Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), with funding support from Sustainability Victoria (SV), conducted trials to find solutions for end-of-life tyres (EOLTs) in regional Victoria. This report provides comprehensive details on the research undertaken to justify the chosen trial locations based on data provided by TSA revealing transport patterns to recyclers.
After evaluating the viability of various partners, Mildura and Warrnambool were deemed non-viable, while a trial proceeded in Shepparton using a hub and spoke model. The process involved collecting tyres from surrounding councils, baling them, and transporting them to Tyrecycle Somerton for de-baling and recycling. The Shepperton trial yielded valuable insights, shedding light on industry barriers and potential solutions.
Transport during the trial increased by 192% compared to business as usual. The de-baling process at Tyrecycle showed a 55% decrease in processed tyres per hour, along with a cost increase of $8.22 or 125% to process 100 Equivalent Passenger Units (EPUs).
The report outlines how the project successfully achieved its objectives, which include improving the understanding of EOLTs in regional Victoria, developing circular economy solutions, reducing management costs, identifying opportunities for product stewardship program logistics, and increasing tyre recycling by reducing landfilling and stockpiling.