Summary of responses to DTI discussion paper of March 2002 on a possible producer responsibility model for used tyres

On 27 March 2002, DTI issued a discussion paper (URN: 02/1104) setting out a possible statutory producer model for used tyres in light of the requirements of Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste. This Directive bans the disposal of whole tyres to landfill from July 2003 and shredded tyres from July 2006. The paper also invited views on ways of strengthening the present voluntary approach to the recovery of used tyres. This approach, the preferred option of both the tyre industry and the Government, has historically yielded a used tyre recovery rate of around 70%. Comments were sought from interested parties.

48 responses were received. The views expressed have been summarised in the attached document ( 71KB ), assembled in broad sector and subject related areas; the summary has not been ordered by the list of questions raised in the consultation paper since the majority of respondents did not follow this form.

There was a widespread view that a statutory scheme would need to be applied to the disposal of used tyres, although no clear view on the form such a scheme should take. Both the tyre industry, through their joint tyre trade association industry response and the motor industry, through the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, advocated alternative approaches to that set out in the paper. However, the majority of respondents supported the discussion paper's 'single point' producer responsibility approach, the concept of which was also accepted by the tyre industry in their response.

In terms of the structure of a statutory producer responsibility scheme, there was some concern that the model set out in the paper was unduly complex. There was also concern about the application of minimum obligation thresholds, with views expressed that no, or only very low, thresholds should be applied. A number of respondents considered that obligations should apply to all used tyres, rather than the 95% suggested in the discussion paper.

The fly-tipping of tyres was widely recognised as an issue that needed to be tackled, and was a particular concern of local authorities. The discussion paper invited views on the membership of the Used Tyre Working Group. A number of responses indicated that membership of the Group should be widened. One response suggested that a smaller group, with an executive focus, should be established aside from the UTWG to progress producer responsibility matters.

All the views expressed are being taken into account by the Government and the devolved administrations as part of their consideration of providing an effective framework for the re-use, recycling and recovery of used tyres so that the UK is well placed to meet the 2006 tyre landfill ban. The Government intends to set out its views on next steps by the end of this year.

Copies of individual responses to the consultation paper can be seen by appointment only at the DTI Library (Tel: 020 7215 5006).

Contact:

Paul Hallett
Sustainable Development
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SS
Tel: 020 7215 1860
Email: paul.hallett@dti.gsi.gov.uk

November 2002


Responses to DTI used tyre discussion paper