What’s the problem?

46 million tyres are disposed of each year in the UK. A large number of these end up illegally dumped.

Dumped tyres damage the environment. They are an eyesore and spoil our local neighbourhoods. They cost millions of pounds to clear up, much of which is paid for by you through your council tax.

You can no longer take waste tyres to landfill sites and must not burn them on bonfires. Burning tyres produces toxic fumes.  In addition, the liquid produced when tyre bonfires are put out is hazardous and will harm wildlife, particularly animals that live in rivers or streams.

What you must do

It is important that tyres are recycled, reprocessed and disposed of legally.

Tyres can be sent for retreading, for use as fuel or processed into rubber granules.

If you give your waste tyres to someone else, you must use a waste carrier whose business is registered with the Environment Agency. The carrier will need to show you proof that they are registered to carry waste.  When you give your waste to them, you must complete a waste transfer note that gives details of where the tyres will be taken.  This is your duty of care. If you have any questions on how to dispose of your waste legally call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506. You can find the registered carriers in your area by visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister

Ensure that your carrier disposes of your tyres at sites authorised to take them. To find your nearest facility call the Tyre Recovery Association on 020 7457 5040 or check their website at www.tyrerecovery.org.uk

Tyre handlers are allowed to store up to 1000 tyres under an Environment Agency exemption if they are to be recovered. For more information on environmental permits or exemptions you can contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506.

You have a responsibility to ensure your waste is disposed of legally. This is your duty of care. If your waste is found dumped, magistrates can impose fines of up to £50,000. For the more serious cases, the fine is unlimited and could lead to imprisonment.

Act now to help stop illegal dumping.