29th April 2025 - UK Parliament Considers Reforms to Strengthen Circular Economy for Tyres

In a Westminster Hall debate held today, MPs discussed the urgent need for reforms to the management of end-of-life tyres in the UK. The session highlighted environmental, health, and economic concerns linked to the export of used tyres, particularly to India, and called for stronger domestic recycling infrastructure. The discussion marks a critical point in the UK's shift towards a circular economy and could reshape the future of tyre disposal and recycling.

Key Issues Raised

Current Export Practices Under Scrutiny

Tessa Munt MP (Liberal Democrat, Wells and Mendip Hills) opened the debate by emphasising the need to rethink waste as a resource within the circular economy. She highlighted that the UK exports approximately 350,000 tonnes of used tyres annually to India, where lax environmental enforcement leads to serious pollution through primitive pyrolysis operations.

Environmental and Health Risks

Concerns were raised over the illegal and hazardous processing of exported tyres. These batch pyrolysis plants in India produce high-sulphur heavy fuel oils and low-grade carbon black, often releasing harmful emissions without filtration. Evidence from GPS tracking studies showed that tyres exported from the UK consistently ended up in unregulated facilities.

Regulatory Gaps and Enforcement Failures

Several MPs pointed out deficiencies in the UK's regulatory framework:

• Green List Classification: End-of-life tyres are currently classified as "green list waste," making them difficult to track and regulate.
• T8 Waste Exemption: The exemption allows operators to self-certify without permits, facilitating unregulated exports.
• Unused Powers: The Environment Act 2021 granted new powers to track and manage waste exports, but these have not yet been deployed.

Tessa Munt called for urgent removal of tyres from the green list, stricter licensing for exporters, and tighter enforcement of existing laws.

Domestic Recycling Opportunities

Sarah Dyke MP (Liberal Democrat, Glastonbury and Somerton) underscored the potential of local businesses such as Tyre Renewals Ltd, which recycle tyres into new rubber products. MPs stressed that boosting domestic processing could stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and prevent environmental harm abroad.

A study cited during the debate suggested that if tyres were processed domestically, the value to the UK economy could exceed £250 million annually, compared to the £13 million generated from current exports.

Learning from Australia's Model

The debate referenced Australia’s successful legislation requiring tyres to be shredded before export, backed by strict licensing and verification schemes. MPs urged the Government to consider similar measures to drive investment in UK recycling facilities and modern continuous-feed pyrolysis plants.

Parliamentary Questions to the Minister

Tessa Munt presented 13 detailed questions for the Minister, focusing on:

• The scope and aims of the Environment Agency’s ongoing review
• Plans to remove the T8 exemption
• Potential to reclassify tyres under waste shipment regulations
• Future use of powers granted by the Environment Act 2021

Responses are expected in writing following the session.

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By retaining and recycling end-of-life tyres domestically, the UK could reduce environmental risks, strengthen supply chains for recycled rubber materials, and encourage innovation in sustainable tyre manufacturing. As EV adoption and sustainability targets accelerate, secure domestic feedstocks for materials like carbon black will become increasingly important across the tyre and automotive industries.

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Tagged with: used tyre exports, tyre recycling UK, end-of-life tyres, waste tyre management, circular economy, Environment Act 2021, tyre pyrolysis, tyre sustainability

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