A new tyre recycling facility in Auckland is a significant step forward in managing the environmental problem of end-of-life tyres.

With support from the Ministry for the Environment‘s Waste Minimisation Fund, Waste Management NZ Limited has invested in innovative new tyre processing equipment from the United States, expanding the processing capacity of the company‘s facility by 250%. This will lead to the shredding of 30,000 tonnes per annum, or three million car tyres.

Some 60,000 tonnes of tyre waste is generated annually in New Zealand from 4.2 million cars and trucks, and as they do not decompose, end-of-life tyres are a critical issue for the environment.

Waste Management‘s processing facility provides a local solution for these tyres, with the shredded material being supplied for re-use in manufacturing as tyre derived fuel (TDF), reducing waste stockpiling and turning a discarded resource into energy.

Tom Nickels, Waste Management managing director, says this was a positive step forward for tyre recycling in New Zealand.

“Sustainability is our core purpose at Waste Management. This facility will play a key role in tackling a growing environmental problem that is a cause of concern for many New Zealanders. Waste Management is proud to be making a difference.”

Associate Minister for the Environment, Eugenie Sage, opened the facility in Wiri on 18 May.

“The Minister‘s attendance at the opening is greatly appreciated and we welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate our solution to this significant environmental problem,” says Nickels.

“The Government‘s support, coupled with our own investment, has created a local solution for the re-use of end-of-life tyres, and we are pleased to be turning waste into energy through the creation and supply of tyre derived fuel.

“As this country‘s largest waste and environmental services company, we appreciate the important role we can play in maximising the value of waste streams. Now this includes waste tyres.”

Tyres have a very high calorific value that provides a beneficial source of fuel for a range of purposes, including powering cement kilns and power plants.

Waste Management plans to open another tyre recycling facility in the South Island in late 2019.