A parliamentary inquiry has called for nationally consistent tyre regulations and greater support for retreading, putting the management of end-of-life tyres in focus for fleet operators.
The House Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science has tabled its report, When the rubber hits the road: inquiry into the Australian tyre industry, making 12 recommendations to strengthen Australia’s tyre circular economy.
The recommendations include developing a nationally harmonised regulatory framework, improving the recovery and management of off-the-road tyres, auditing and strengthening tyre stewardship arrangements, and supporting the tyre retreading industry.
For fleet managers, the inquiry highlights the importance of looking beyond tyre purchase price and service life to consider what happens when tyres leave the workshop.
Turning used tyres into a resource
The Committee found that while tyres are essential to Australia’s economy and transport networks, significant challenges remain in managing them at the end of their useful life.
Committee Chair Rob Mitchell MP said used tyres should be viewed as a resource with further economic value.
“End-of-life tyres are not the end of the story,” Mr Mitchell said.
“This inquiry found they should be seen as the beginning of a new opportunity, with valuable materials that can be recovered, recycled, and put back to work in the economy.”
Mr Mitchell said making better use of those materials could create jobs, support regional industries and reduce waste.
“The future of the industry will be defined by how successfully we turn waste into value,” he said.
Consistent rules and stronger stewardship
The recommendation for a nationally harmonised regulatory framework will be relevant to organisations operating fleets across multiple jurisdictions.
A more consistent approach could help fleet operators and their tyre suppliers manage disposal arrangements across state and territory borders. The practical effect will depend on how governments respond to the recommendations.
The proposed audit and strengthening of tyre stewardship arrangements also puts attention on the systems used to manage tyres after replacement.
For fleet procurement teams, this provides a reason to examine whether tyre supply and maintenance contracts clearly explain how used tyres are collected, who handles them and where they go.
Disposal records and evidence from service providers can help fleets understand the outcome of their tyre management arrangements and support sustainability reporting.
Retreading and off-the-road tyres in focus
Support for the tyre retreading industry is another recommendation with relevance to commercial fleets.
Where suitable for the vehicle and operating task, retreading can extend the useful life of a tyre casing. Fleet decisions still need to account for casing condition, supplier quality, safety requirements and whole-of-life cost.
The Committee also recommended improving the recovery and management of off-the-road tyres, making the inquiry relevant to fleets operating plant and equipment alongside road vehicles.
For councils, construction businesses and other mixed-fleet operators, tyre management needs to cover the full asset base.
A prompt to review fleet practices
The Committee’s recommendations are proposals for reform, rather than new requirements already imposed on fleet operators.
However, the inquiry provides a timely prompt to review tyre purchasing, maintenance and disposal together.
Fleet managers can start by asking suppliers to explain their end-of-life processes, checking the records available and considering suitable options for extending tyre life.
The opportunity is to make tyre management part of a broader approach to controlling fleet costs, reducing waste and documenting environmental performance.
