TRA initiative to demonstrate garages' responsible used tyre disposal

A new initiative to help garages and tyre retailers across the country has been launched by the Tyre Recovery Association today. The Responsible Retailer Certificate of Compliance will be awarded to retailers meeting best practice standards by a member of the Tyre Industry Federation Responsible Recycler Scheme. The TRA says that the new scheme is designed to help garages and retailers not only to manage their used tyre disposal in line with industry standards; the Responsible Retailer Scheme also aims to help compliant businesses communicate their environmentally responsible credentials to customers. Also launched was a new website, which will contain a searchable database of all certified garages for motorists and of local collectors for retailers.

Retailers taking part in the scheme will receive certification to be renewed on an annual basis. This demonstrates their commitment to the responsible disposal of tyres, while also publicising the fact of their expenditure on the safe, legal and environmentally friendly measure to motorists. It was commented that this will help retailers to explain – and indeed to sell the benefits of – the fee paid by retail customers for this purpose. Supporting that message, the TRA will provide scheme participants with a range of educational and promotional materials, an e-newsletter and a promotional video. Finally, the TRA also explained the 

The scheme has already received the backing of some major retail groups. Both Motor Codes, the motor industry’s government supported self-regulatory body, and the Independent Garage Association’s Trust My Garage scheme support it, recognising some best practice synergies between the TRA’s certificate and their own programmes. Another important backer present at the launch was the Environment Agency. The TRA said that the enforcement body has been heavily involved in the development of the Responsible Retailer Scheme.

Business and Energy minister Michael Fallon also offered his support to the new scheme’s launch. “Improper disposal of used tyres can have a nasty impact on the environment, so I very much welcome the extension of the industry-led ‘Responsible Recycler’ scheme into the wider tyre supply chain,” he said. “This move encourages greater business transparency and strengthens the joint Government and industry fight against illegal fly-tipping.”

For more on the new Responsible Retailer Scheme, look out for the June edition of Tyres & Accessories magazine.