Waste tyre storage

The Victorian Government is taking action to protect Victorians against the fire risk from tyre stockpiles by making stricter rules on how tyres are stored, and by making these rules enforceable by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Sustainability Victoria is undertaking work to complement the EPA regulatory framework by supporting initiatives that promote greater recovery of tyres and demand for tyre derived products. By increasing recovery and demand for tyres through a stronger and diversified end of life tyre market, more tyres will be used for productive outcomes leading to fewer of the stockpiles that pose a danger to the Victorian community.

New tyre regulations

Waste tyre storage faces tighter controls aimed at minimising the risk of hazardous fires, as new regulations developed by the EPA became effective 29 April 2015.

The regulations specify guidelines around tyre stockpiling, and what measures operators must take to reduce their fire risk. Premises that store more than 40 tonnes or 5,000 waste tyres are required to obtain a works approval and licence from EPA.

To view the amended Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations please visit:

• http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry/guidelines/waste-guidance/storage-of-waste-tyres-in-victoria
• http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/setting-standards/waste-tyre-storage-ris

Support and facilitation

Sustainability Victoria has worked closely with the EPA and the broader tyre industry on the development of the new regulatory framework.

Sustainability Victoria is also playing a role in addressing priority legacy stockpiles. In particular, funding has been provided to the Northern Grampians Shire Council to undertake a feasibility study on the potential for the Stawell tyre stockpile to be used for productive outcomes. Funding has also been provided, in conjunction with Tyrecycle, to support an Australian-first mobile shredding plant to clean up stockpiles of abandoned tyres across regional and metropolitan Victoria.

We are also working to develop new markets for end of life tyres through supporting research and development, product specifications and procurement initiatives that can contribute to productive outcomes rather than illegitimate stockpiling.