According to a recent BBC report, the Environment Agency (EA) has announced a comprehensive review into UK tyre waste exports following a BBC File on 4 investigation that revealed millions of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) are being illegally processed at unlicensed pyrolysis plants in India.
The report uncovered how tyres exported under the pretence of proper recycling are instead being “cooked” in makeshift furnaces to extract materials like steel, carbon black, and oil, causing severe environmental and public health issues.
The investigation found that around 70% of tyres exported to India from the UK and globally are ending up at these illegal facilities. When the BBC visited the site, they found scorched vegetation, polluted waterways, and villagers suffering from persistent respiratory issues.
The pressure group Fighting Dirty has threatened legal action against the EA for what it calls a “failure to act.” The EA has requested time to complete its review and has asked the BBC to share its evidence. Lawyers representing the agency stated the claims are being taken seriously and confirmed that steps are being taken to work with Indian authorities and potentially send a UK delegation later this year.
Every year, the UK produces nearly 700,000 tonnes of waste tyres—about 50 million units—with roughly half exported, primarily to India. While most UK recyclers operate under strict environmental permits and are required to shred tyres before export, smaller operators can use the T8 exemption loophole to send whole tyres abroad, many of which are baled and diverted into the black market.
Industry insiders and campaigners alike have praised the BBC’s reporting. Peter Taylor, secretary general of the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), said:
“The environmental damage caused by UK whole-tyre exports has now been publicly exposed. It’s time to scrap the T8 exemptions and ban the export of unshredded ELTs.”
In a statement to the BBC, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said there are already strict controls in place regarding tyre exports, with punishments including unlimited fines and prison sentences for breaches.
Fighting Dirty founder Georgia Elliott-Smith, who has been pressuring the government since 2023, called the EA’s review a “major victory,” adding:
“The government must stop turning a blind eye to this illegal and immoral trade.”
Sources: recyclinginternational.com www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4grlpyje41o
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c14jy2dd8jeo www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00238mf
