An illegal tyre dump, untouched and hidden in a ditch, has sparked renewed calls for legislation and innovation in recycling. Located around an hour and a half drive from Townsville, this dump is estimated to hold nearly 1,000 tyres, a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face. Every year, 540,000 tonnes of tyres reach the end of their useful life, with many ending up in illegal dumps or stockpiles. Dave Dudley, a community leader and member of 'TIDY Up Townsville', discovered this dump almost a year ago. He reported it to Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, but the investigation failed to identify the offender. The cost of removing this site alone is estimated to be over $100,000, highlighting the significant financial burden of illegal dumping. The state government is urged to take action and clean up the site. But what happens to the waste? A national voluntary program encourages importers, retailers, and recyclers to handle tyres responsibly. However, 'rogue operators' who illegally dump tyres are a common issue, often charging retailers $5 per tyre for disposal. Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia, emphasizes the environmental risks of such dumping, as tyres can become fuel for fires, posing a significant threat. Only 26% of the 530,000 tonnes of tyres that reach the end of their life are reused or recycled, while the remaining 40% are shredded and sent offshore for industrial processes. Making tyre stewardship programs mandatory could curb illegal dumping and increase recycling, benefiting legitimate recyclers. Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Director of the Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub at the University of New South Wales, offers a unique perspective on recycling. She suggests that tyres, when broken down, can have diverse applications beyond rubber products. Tyres contain essential elements like carbon and hydrogen, which can be utilized in green steel production. Rubber can replace coal and coke to provide carbon in the steelmaking process. Dr. Sahajwalla emphasizes the need for intentional market creation through collaboration with industrial players, focusing on re-manufacturing. This approach challenges the traditional view of recycling as a simple 'like for like' conversion. However, the issue extends beyond tyres. Dave Dudley expresses frustration with industrial waste dumping, including drums of oil and solar panels. He argues that the financial burden of proper waste disposal is not an issue, as we can afford to manage our waste responsibly. The federal environment department is reviewing the recycling and waste reduction act, including regulations for waste tyre exports and tyre stewardship. Queensland's Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is actively investigating the tyre dump but has yet to identify the responsible party. Serious environmental breaches can result in fines of up to $166,900.
