New Zealand is turning a corner when it comes to tyre waste. Every year, more than 6.5 million tyres keep Aotearoa moving — but until recently, only around 40% were recycled or reused. The rest ended up stockpiled, dumped, or buried.
Tyrewise is changing that, creating a nationwide system that gives every tyre a responsible end of life and a second chance as a useful resource.
What is Tyrewise?
Tyrewise is New Zealand’s regulated product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres. In simple terms, it ensures everyone involved in the tyre supply chain — from importers and distributors like Tyreline to tyre dealers and retailers — takes shared responsibility for the environmental impact of tyres once they’ve reached the end of their life.
The scheme is industry-led and supported by government. Its goal is simple: to end tyre dumping, stockpiling, and illegal disposal, and instead turn waste into opportunity through recycling, repurposing, and innovation.
What’s Changing
Under Tyrewise, a Tyre Stewardship Fee is now applied to every new tyre sold in New Zealand. This small, fixed fee is collected when tyres enter the market and funds the nationwide collection and recycling system. Customers pay it up-front when buying new tyres — not later when disposing of old ones.
- From 1 March 2024: The Tyre Stewardship Fee applies to all new tyres sold or imported into New Zealand.
- From 1 September 2024: End-of-life tyre disposal is free at participating retailers — no additional disposal fees can be charged.
This new structure replaces inconsistent disposal charges and ensures every tyre sold in New Zealand has a funded, responsible pathway once it’s worn out.
Tyreline’s Role
As an importer and distributor, Tyreline is responsible for registering with Tyrewise and paying the stewardship fee on all tyres we bring into New Zealand — whether fitted to vehicles or sold individually. This ensures every tyre entering the market is accounted for in the scheme.
We pass that fee transparently through the supply chain so our dealers can show it clearly on customer invoices. We also work closely with Tyrewise to make sure our network stays informed and compliant as the scheme evolves. Our goal is simple: to make Tyrewise straightforward for every dealer we supply.
What This Means for Dealers
As tyre sellers, dealers play a key part in the Tyrewise system. Here’s what you need to know:
- Register with Tyrewise. Every retailer selling new tyres must be registered. It’s free and quick via the Tyrewise website.
- Show the fee clearly. The Tyre Stewardship Fee must appear on customer invoices or receipts. It’s already included in the tyres you purchase from us — just pass it on transparently.
- No disposal fees. From 1 September 2024, end-of-life tyre disposal charges can no longer be added for customers. Tyrewise covers that cost.
- Use Tyrewise collections. Registered sites can book free pickups of used tyres through the Tyrewise platform. Tyres are collected by approved transporters and sent to recycling facilities — all funded by the stewardship fee.
It’s simple, fair, and consistent across the country. No more ad-hoc disposal charges or uncertainty — Tyrewise ensures every old tyre is handled safely and responsibly.
Why This Matters
Tyrewise is a win for everyone — for the environment, for our industry, and for our customers.
- For dealers: Free, reliable collection of scrap tyres, fewer stockpiles, and no disposal admin.
- For importers and distributors: A level playing field — everyone pays the same regulated fees.
- For customers: A simple, transparent process and the assurance their old tyres are recycled, not dumped.
- For Aotearoa: Cleaner communities, new jobs, and sustainable innovation in recycled rubber products.
The Road Ahead
Tyrewise is now fully operational and continues to expand its network of collection and recycling partners. Its goal is to increase tyre recovery rates from around 40% to over 90%, turning a long-standing waste issue into a circular system that benefits everyone.
At Tyreline, we’re proud to play our part in this transformation. Together with our dealers and Tyrewise, we’re helping build a tyre industry that’s cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable for the future.
Enough is enough — it’s time to end tyre waste for good.
Learn How Tyrewise Supports NZ
Contact us to understand how tyre stewardship affects your fleet.
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