Photo: SUPPLIED
10 weeks after the country's first tyre recycling scheme launched, 839,000 end-of-life car tyres have been collected.
The Tyrewise scheme now operates around the country, paid for by a levy charged to importers, and managed by the Environment Ministry's Waste Minimisation Fund.
North Island tyres go to five different processors and they're then used in cement manufacture and other rubber products.
South Island tyres are currently exported to similar plants overseas, but there are plans to establish a local one.
However illegal stockpiles around the country still exist and are not covered by the scheme.
Adele Rose is the Chief Executive of 3R Group, which is the Tyrewise Scheme Manager.
She wants people to report any dumped tyres or large stockpiles, which she says will be the focus in the coming year.
