UK is exporting 1,000 tonnes of used tyres a day, TRA tells DEFRA Secretary

Following the media expose on UK-used tyre exports to India, UK industry leaders set out next steps to support British government response to end environmentally devastating trade

The UK’s Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has written to Steve Reed MP, the Environment Secretary and offered to support the British policymaker’s review of the UK’s tyre waste policy. The British government is under growing pressure to take immediate action to end the export of whole end-of-life (ELT) tyres following the BBC and Source Material investigation, which exposed the damage caused by UK waste in India.

BBC investigation, “Millions of UK tyres meant for recycling sent to furnaces in India,” starkly evidenced the consequences of the current exporting of UK waste. The programme’s findings unequivocally validate long-standing TRA concerns and calls for urgent action.

Current policy is not only exporting environmental waste but also undermines the UK’s own domestic recycling industry. Currently there is at least 150,000 tonnes of idle shredding capacity within the UK.

The continued export of whole ELTs is pushing the UK tyre recycling industry towards collapse. A situation that must be swiftly reversed before this capacity is lost.

In the letter, the Secretary General of the TRA, Peter Taylor, warns the minster that,

“The industry cannot survive indefinitely under the current conditions, and its failure would severely undermine the government’s own policy objectives of achieving zero waste and a circular economy.”

He goes on to point out that the status quo is undermining the government’s own environmental and economic goals, “There are numerous projects that could bring substantial value and economic growth to the UK, which are currently stalled, awaiting improved market conditions and government regulations that align with the needs of both industry and the environment.”

The TRA’s letter tells the Environment Secretary that official figures confirm that in 2024, 1,000 tonnes of waste tyres were being exported from the UK every day. Before setting out the offer to support policy leaders to get on top of the situation and prioritise steps that can be immediately taken.

• A crucial first step is the imposition of a size reduction qualification on ELT exports similar to the successful Australian ELT policy model
• Tyres properly shredded before export ensure:

• promote responsible processing
• utilize existing UK capacity

• Inhibit misuse once exported

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, said:

“Responsible tyre operators welcome the spotlight the media have put on an issue which we have been campaigning on for years. We have always wanted to see policy reform and to work with the government to do what is best for the environment and British businesses; action is needed now.

The announcement of the Environment Agency’s review of waste export monitoring is the first real step forward we have seen. The opportunity for quick and impactful change must not be lost, but alone, that will not be enough. Meaningful action by central government can no longer be delayed. Reality now drives the very urgent need for policy reform. If this can be achieved under Mr Reed’s watch, he would be truly celebrated for showing decisive leadership in both protecting the environment and supporting British business.”