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What we do

Driving sustainable outcomes for Australia's used tyres is our priority.

We run the national and voluntary Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS) to help reduce the environmental, health and safety impacts of tyres which reach their end of life in Australia.

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About The Scheme

The Scheme is designed to increase resource recovery and recycling and to minimise the environmental, health and safety impacts of all used tyres generated in Australia; and develop Australia’s tyre recycling industry and markets.

The Tyre Stewardship Scheme provides an ACCC authorised, industry framework to effectively reduce the environmental, health and safety impacts of the 56 million EPUs which reach the end of their life in Australia each year. 

On the 20th January 2014, Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, joined tyre industry leaders in Melbourne to announce a new initiative to encourage sustainable use of Australia’s end-of-life tyres.

Mr. Hunt announced the formation of Tyre Stewardship Australia and the national Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme to promote the increase in environmentally sustainable collection and recycling processes and to explore and promote new uses for and products using recycled end-of-life tyres.

The Scheme has the multiple benefits of transforming a waste product into useful products, creating new industries and employment opportunities while also reducing the environmental harm caused by illegal dumping.

The Scheme is also designed to deliver a range of benefits for individual Participants, the tyre industry as a whole and for the community.

The Statistics

Australia's used tyres going to an environmentally sound use

Australia's used passenger, bus & truck tyres recovered

Australia's used OTR tyres recovered

Australia's used tyres recovered into domestic markets

How TSA runs the Scheme

TSA manages the Scheme on behalf of the tyre industry. Our role is to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone involved is following best practice for used tyre management.

TSA helps: 

  • Businesses across the tyre supply chain become accredited 

  • Check that tyres are being collected and managed responsibly  

  • Run education campaigns that ensure the public and industry understand the importance of tyre stewardship 

  • Support research and trials that give old tyres a new life in new and productive outcomes 

  • Government and businesses to remove roadblocks to better outcomes for tyres 

Benefits of the Scheme

The Scheme creates meaningful impact across our environment, industries and communities.

The Scheme helps reduce the number of tyres being dumped or sent overseas, and supports the growth of a strong, local recycling sector that gives tyres a second life, onshore, as new and useful products. 

For businesses, the Scheme offers practical value — from access to funding and commercial support, to improved credibility and consumer trust. It also strengthens corporate social responsibility efforts by aligning operations with sustainability goals. 

Importantly, the Scheme plays a role in creating more sustainable outcomes and raising public awareness about the issue of used tyres, and how it can be tackled through smarter choices and shared responsibility. 

Funding of the Scheme

TSA is funded by a voluntary levy paid by tyre and vehicle importers on each tyre they sell in Australia.

Scheme contributors include tyre importers, vehicle manufacturers and off-the-road (OTR) tyre suppliers. A list of brands voluntarily contributing to the Scheme can be found here. These organisations contribute $0.25c per equivalent passenger unit (EPU) on every passenger, bus, and truck tyre they sell in Australia. For off-the-road tyres, a levy is applied based on the type of tyre and rim size, capped at a maximum of $50 per tyre. The levy is independently collected. 

Funds are allocated to: 

  • Market development and research initiatives 

  • Education and awareness campaigns 

  • Participant support and compliance activities 

  • TSA’s operational management 

Levy Contributors

These organisations contribute to Australia's Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme:

How to join the Scheme

Application and Accreditation

Applicants are required to complete and submit an application form along with an ‘Action Plan’ which details how they will promote the Scheme and meet its general and specific commitments, including its arrangements for collection and recycling of EOLT. If an Applicant fits into more than one Participant category, the Applicant must apply to all Participant categories that apply to that Applicant.

Upon completing and submitting the application form (either online or hard copy signed) the Authorised Signatory for the Applicant makes an organisational commitment to the Scheme and to compliance with these Guidelines. 

TSA assesses the application/s and may contact the Applicant or third parties to verify information supplied in the application form. TSA will notify an Applicant in writing as to whether their application for accreditation has been accepted or rejected.

Applicants will be accredited on the basis of an assessment by TSA, to its satisfaction, as to whether:

  • the Applicant demonstrates a current capacity to meet their general and specific commitments under the Scheme; or
  • the Action Plan demonstrates that the Applicant will meet the general and specific commitments under the Scheme.

When an application is rejected, TSA may determine the timeline for the application to be re-submitted.

Guidance

An Applicant can apply for accreditation in more than one category and, in some instances, will be required by TSA to apply for accreditation in more than one category. 

It is acknowledged that, in local government areas, solid waste is often managed at a regional level. The Scheme allows for regional associations to apply on behalf of a number of local councils. A full application, as described above, should be submitted for each category applied for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered

Who can join the Scheme?

The Scheme is open to any business or organisation involved in tyres — including importers, retailers, fleet operators, recyclers, collectors, local councils, and vehicle manufacturers. Accreditation shows you're committed to doing the right thing with end-of-life tyres.

How much does it cost to become accredited?

There is no cost to become accredited. However, tyre importers, vehicle manufacturers and off-the-road (OTR) tyre suppliers who join the Scheme pay a small levy based on the number of tyres they bring into Australia. These funds support the Scheme’s education, funding and research programs. 

What types of tyres are covered by the Scheme?

The Scheme applies to most tyres used on motor vehicles and trailers — including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, mining and earthmoving equipment, cranes, tractors and forklifts. 

What is an EPU (Equivalent Passenger Unit)?

An EPU is a standard measure used to compare tyres of different sizes. It helps us calculate funding contributions fairly, no matter whether a business deals with car tyres, truck tyres or something much larger.

How does TSA use the levy?

The levy helps fund all the work TSA does — from research and education campaigns to market development and compliance support. A detailed breakdown of how funds are used is published every year in TSA’s annual report.

Is the Scheme government run?

No. It’s an industry-led initiative authorised by the ACCC and managed independently by TSA. However, TSA works closely with government bodies at all levels to support shared environmental and waste management goals. 

How do I apply to join the Scheme?

You'll need to complete an online application and submit an Action Plan that shows how your business handles end-of-life tyres responsibly. Head to the Become TSA Accredited page to learn more. 

How are participants monitored?

TSA checks in with participants regularly to make sure they’re still meeting the Scheme’s commitments. This includes light-touch audits, annual reporting, and occasional site visits — all focused on improvement and transparency. 

On this page
About The Scheme

Tyre Stewardship Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which we live, work, and depend. We acknowledge the unique spiritual and cultural connection, and continuing aspiration that the Traditional Owners have for Country and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Please note: Tyre Stewardship Australia was accredited under the Australian Government Accredited Product Stewardship Scheme from March 2021 to March 2026 and submitted an application for re‑accreditation in January 2026, which is currently under assessment. Any use of the Australian Government product stewardship logo on this website relates solely to the previous accreditation period.