End‑of‑life tyre responsibility starts with every vehicle you bring to market
Australia generates around 67 million used passenger car tyres every year, and that number is growing.
Despite a dynamic and changing market, vehicle sales remain strong, cars are getting heavier, and tyres are wearing out faster.
Vehicle manufacturers and importers sit at the start of this system — not because you recycle tyres, but because you place them on the Australian market. Every vehicle sold brings multiple tyres into the system, all of which must be managed responsibly at end‑of‑life to avoid harm to the environment and to community health and safety.
For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this is a clear opportunity — to act early, at low cost and on your own terms, rather than waiting for regulation to force change.
Australia's Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS), run by Tyre Stewardship Australia, is the most effective way to do this.
What is the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme?
The Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS) is Australia’s national, ACCC‑authorised Scheme for managing tyres at end-of-life.
Product stewardship means taking responsibility for what happens to a product after it is sold. For tyres, that responsibility is shared across the supply chain — including those who import and supply vehicles.
For vehicle manufacturers and importers, contributing to the Scheme is simple:
- you are not asked to collect or recycle tyres
- you contribute financially, based on how many tyres you put on the market
These contributions support a national system that recovers, recycles and reuses tyres responsibly in new, value‑added applications.
If you place tyres on the Australian market, the Scheme offers a practical way to take responsibility for what comes next.
92% of Australians believe industry should take responsibility for used tyres
Australia’s vehicle market is one of the strongest on record. In 2025, more than 1.24 million vehicles were sold nationally — each fitted with four or more tyres.
At the same time, pressure around tyre management is increasing:
- tyres remain on federal and state priority lists
- a national tyre inquiry is underway
- industry groups and regulators are openly calling for a mandatory tyre stewardship scheme
In most comparable countries, tyre stewardship is already mandatory, with growing customer demand for more environmentally conscious purchases.
This is a defining leadership moment for OEMs: lead now, or be required to follow later.
Why now?
Participating in the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme now allows OEMs to:
- lead ahead of regulatory change, rather than respond to it
- demonstrate accountability across the full lifecycle of the vehicles you place on the market
- benefit from Australia’s exceptionally low contribution rate while participation remains voluntary
- play a constructive role in shaping a system under increasing public and political scrutiny
- strengthen your brand as expectations continue to rise.
Australia’s unique opportunity — and the 25‑cent reality
In other markets, tyre stewardship costs several dollars per tyre:
European Union: typically €1–€3 per passenger tyre
Canada: commonly AUD $3–$5 per tyre
New Zealand: NZD $6.65 per passenger tyre
Australia is different — for now.
The voluntary scheme contribution rate in Australia is 25 cents per passenger tyre. That’s about $1 per standard vehicle. In practical terms:
- less than 0.004% of the average new‑vehicle price
- one of the lowest entry points globally for tyre stewardship
“At 25 cents per tyre, this is one of the lowest‑cost stewardship schemes in the world. That won’t stay the case forever.”
Lina Goodman, CEO, Tyre Stewardship Australia
For OEMs, the message is simple: this is the most cost-effective and straightforward tyre stewardship will ever be in Australia.
Ready to get on board?
Apply to become a TPSS contributor and demonstrate leadership on end‑of‑life tyre responsibility in Australia.
Becoming a TPSS contributor is designed to be straightforward and low‑burden for vehicle manufacturers and importers.
At a high level, it involves:
- confirming your role as an OEM or vehicle importer
- providing basic vehicle and tyre volume information
- entering into a contribution arrangement based on volume
There are no operational requirements to manage tyres yourself.
This is the moment to get on board.
What your contribution supports
Recovery and recycling you can trust
Funding supports a national network of accredited tyre collectors and recyclers, giving confidence that tyres are handled properly at end of life.
Building real markets for recycled tyres
Through the Market Development Fund, the Scheme invests in projects that use recycled tyres in roads, rail, infrastructure and construction. Strong markets reduce the risk of stockpiling and dumping.
Reducing dumping and stockpiling risk
Stable funding helps take pressure off the system — protecting communities, councils and brands from the consequences when tyres are abandoned or mismanaged.
Oversight and transparency
The Scheme provides national visibility and reporting, so tyre flows and risks can be tracked and addressed early.
See contributor investment in action
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