Who can I talk to if I want to know more?
Tyre Stewardship Australia can talk you through how the Scheme works, what participation looks like for vehicle manufacturers and importers, and what’s involved in becoming a contributor.
Early conversations are encouraged — particularly for OEMs entering or expanding in the Australian market, or those wanting to understand how stewardship fits with existing regulatory, ESG or brand commitments.
Contact us at getonboard@tyrestewardship.org.au.
How do we become a Scheme contributor?
Becoming a contributor is designed to be straightforward.
At a high level, it involves:
- confirming your role as a vehicle manufacturer or importer
- providing basic information on vehicle and tyre volumes
- entering into a contribution arrangement based on volume
Does participation require OEMs to handle tyres operationally?
No.
OEMs are not required to collect, transport, store or recycle tyres.
Participation is financial only and based on tyre volumes placed on the market.
How much does participation cost?
The current contribution rate is 25 cents per passenger tyre.
For a standard four‑tyre vehicle, this is approximately $1 per vehicle — less than 0.004 per cent of the average new‑vehicle purchase price.
By global standards, this is exceptionally low.
If it’s voluntary, why should OEMs participate now?
Because acting early gives OEMs choice and control.
Participating now allows OEMs to:
- demonstrate leadership before regulation is introduced
- take advantage of Australia’s very low contribution rate
- integrate stewardship costs gradually
- avoid being forced into higher‑cost arrangements later
Once stewardship becomes mandatory, cost and timing are unlikely to be optional.
Is the Scheme voluntary or mandatory?
The TPSS is currently voluntary in Australia.
However:
- tyres remain on ministerial priority lists
- a national tyre inquiry is underway
- industry and government stakeholders are increasingly calling for a mandatory or co‑regulatory scheme, in line with international practice
Most comparable countries already have mandatory tyre stewardship in place.
What does product stewardship mean for OEMs?
Product stewardship means responsibility does not stop at sale.
For vehicle manufacturers and importers, it reflects the fact that selling vehicles puts tyres into the Australian market, and those tyres will eventually need to be managed at end of life.
OEMs are not asked to recycle tyres themselves. Your role is to contribute financially, based on tyre volume.
What is the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS)?
The TPSS is Australia’s national, ACCC‑authorised scheme for managing tyres at end of life.
It brings together industry contributions and reinvests them into tyre recovery, recycling, market development and system oversight — reducing dumping and stockpiling risk and strengthening the overall system.
