BTMA Urges Collaborative Action with Government to Address End-of-Life Tyre Exports to India Following BBC Investigation

The British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA) is calling for collaborative action between government, industry stakeholders, and environmental bodies to establish a sustainable, transparent, and future-proofed system for managing end-of-life tyres (ELTs) in the UK.

This renewed appeal follows a BBC investigation that exposed the environmental and human harm caused by the illegal burning of UK ELTs in India. The report highlights the need for immediate reforms to prevent the export of whole ELTs to countries where regulatory and environmental standards do not align with the UK’s commitment to sustainability.

In light of the challenges surrounding the export of waste tyres to India, it is important to recognise that tyre manufacturers are not the primary contributors to these issues. Instead, the BTMA remains committed to working with policymakers to implement practical solutions that protect the environment while enhancing the UK’s domestic recycling capabilities. Rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes, BTMA advocates for a mid-to-long-term strategy that strengthens domestic recycling infrastructure and supports innovative recycling technologies.

“We recognise the urgency of addressing this issue but believe the most effective way forward is through collaboration,” said Darren Lindsey, Chief Executive of the BTMA. “We want to work with the government and other stakeholders to develop a system that not only eliminates harmful waste exports but also ensures that ELTs are repurposed in a way that delivers lasting environmental and economic benefits to the UK.”

The BTMA urges the government to prioritise investment in domestic waste technologies and consider accelerating digital waste tracking and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes as a cornerstone of its upcoming circular economy strategy. They encourage policymakers to study successful EPR models from other countries, such as Italy, where robust regulations and substantial investments in domestic processing have significantly reduced tyre waste exports and promoted high environmental standards.

A Call for Practical Policy Reforms

BTMA is advocating for the introduction of policies that:

• End the T8 exemption, which currently allows the export of whole ELTs without sufficient environmental oversight.
• Introduce stricter controls and traceability measures to monitor the movement and disposal of ELTs.
• Promote investment in innovative recycling technologies that create value from waste tyres within the UK.

The UK has the capacity to repurpose ELTs for a variety of sustainable applications, including:

• Rubberised asphalt for road construction, enhancing road durability and reducing
• Rubber crumb applications for industrial
• Incorporation into reinforced concrete to improve structural resilience and

BTMA urges the government to move beyond temporary solutions and prioritise work with the tyre industry to develop a long-term strategy that strengthens domestic capability, reduces carbon emissions, and keeps valuable materials in productive use for longer.

“By taking decisive action now, we have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sustainable waste management and create a circular economy where every ELT is repurposed to its highest value,” Darren Lindsey added.

BTMA is committed to supporting the UK’s transition to a more sustainable tyre management system and calls on policymakers to seize this moment to make lasting reforms. Through collective action, the UK can ensure that its ELTs contribute positively to environmental goals and economic growth, rather than adding to the global waste burden.