The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is calling on tyre exporters to apply for a licence to continue after a national ban came into effect.
From December 1, a ban on the export of whole baled waste tyres will be implemented Australia-wide as part of a wider waste export ban.
In order to export whole waste tyres after December 1, exporters will need to adhere to the government’s strict requirements and will require a licence to continue.
There are some exceptions to the rule, with exports permitted for tyres which have been processed into crumbs, buffings, granules or shreds and tyres which have been processed into fuel.
Tyres that are exported for re-treading or for re-use on vehicles overseas are also exempt.
Acting Deputy Secretary, Environment Reforms, James Tregurtha, says exporters must comply with the new regulations.
“The Department does have strict criteria that apply to every export licence,” Tregurtha says.
“When tyres are exported for re-treading or reuse, suppliers must have evidence of a commercial relationship with an importer or with a verified re-treading facility.
“All exporters must also pass a fit and proper person test and declare each consignment to the Department and Australian Border Force.”
The move will follow similar waste management solutions made by the government in recent years. Australia has already banned the export of unprocessed glass and mixed plastics and will ban unprocessed single polymer in July 2022 and cardboard from July 2024. Exporters can apply for a licence via the department website.