Volkswagen Australia joins tyre recycling scheme

Volkswagen Group Australia has shown its commitment to tyre recycling by signing an agreement with Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) to ensure about 100 of its Aussie dealerships are disposing of old rubber correctly.

The TSA is an organisation that aims to promote alternative uses for old tyres and works closely with tyre retailers, manufacturers, recyclers and collectors. It says Australians discard the equivalent of 56 million tyres each year, and only 10 per cent of those are recycled locally.

To date, TSA has committed $4 million to projects that recycle end of life tyres as feedstock to create products such as crumb for roads, permeable paving in our cities and soft tracks for equine and athletics stadiums.

Some of its 1600 accredited members include Tyrepower, Toyo Tires, Yokohama, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop and Continental.

Volkswagen Australia managing director Michael Bartsch said Volkswagen is the first auto importer to join TSA.

“Tyres are a by-product of the car sales business and the necessity to have used tyres responsibly disposed of or appropriately recycled is incumbent upon us,” he said.

“Through Tyre Stewardship Australia most of the major tyre brands are financially contributing tonsure that the environmental impact of their business is continually diminished.

“Volkswagen Australia is proud to be the first auto maker to become a TSA contributor.”