TRA: Recycle Tyres or Face Jail

Garages and tyre dealers are being warned that they could face significant fines or custodial sentences if they fail to recycle the used tyres they collect correctly. Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) made the warning following the recent prosecution of nine individuals who were fined nearly £75,000 for illegally dumping rubbish which included used tyres.

Garages have a legal duty of care to ensure that any used tyres they remove from vehicles are disposed of in a legal and environmentally sound manner,” explains Peter Taylor OBE, secretary general, Tyre Recovery Association (TRA). “These recent prosecutions show that any collectors operating illegally will be tracked down and prosecuted. In addition, any retail premises that are complicit in the operation may also find themselves open to prosecution.”

Since 2006, the disposal of tyres in landfill sites has been completely banned and currently, more than 45 million used tyres are correctly recycled and disposed of each year under the industry’s Responsible Recycler Scheme (RRS). In to the actions of unscrupulous tyre collection companies, the Environment Agency has launched a campaign together with the tyre industry to ‘Get a Grip’ on illegal tyre activities.

“In particular we are working with the TRA to raise awareness on how best to deal with waste tyres legally and responsibly. However, key to tackling this crime is the gathering of information and intelligence on illegal operators and activity. We are asking for support from businesses to report any information to us that could indicate illegal tyre activity,” Phil Gibbons of the Environment Agency commented. According to EA and TRA, all information provided to the agency is done so in complete confidence and the Environment Agency’s national contact centre can be reached by calling 08708 506 506.

Related News:

• Tyre Recovery Association Explains Recycling Fee with Point of Sale Materials

• 94% of Dealers Pay Tyre Collectors 51p – £1

• Irish Associations in Waste Tyre Crisis Talks

• Tyre Collections Being Rationed as Infrastructure Faces ‘Meltdown’

• Fly-Tipper Lumped With 10-Year ASBO

• UK Tyre Recovery Sector Fights Illegal Operations, Slim Margins