BTMA Supports World’s Largest Community River Clean in Ogmore

The BTMA was proud to support the Ogmore River Clean 2025, a record-breaking environmental initiative that mobilised over 90 organisations and thousands of volunteers to remove 13,000 illegally dumped tyres and tonnes of additional waste from the estuary and surrounding areas of Ogmore-by-Sea, South Wales.

Over the course of a single week, this community-led effort—hailed as the world’s largest river clean to date—shone a spotlight on both the power of collective action and the urgent need to prevent environmental degradation caused by improper tyre disposal.

“It’s the second time I’ve visited Ogmore,” said BTMA’s representative during the event. “Over the past 10 to 15 years, a significant number of tyres have ended up in the estuary, washing toward the beach and the sea. It’s now visibly clear to the public, and that visibility has galvanised both campaigners and the tyre industry into action—not just to clear the waste, but to ensure it never happens again.”

The initiative, spearheaded by environmental campaigner Alan Phillips and supported by groups such as A Peace for Nature, highlighted not only the environmental impact of improper tyre disposal, but also the importance of transparency, accountability, and proper waste management across the entire tyre lifecycle.

Closing the Loop on Tyre Waste

BTMA’s presence at the Ogmore clean-up underlined the industry’s long-term commitment to sustainable solutions. The tyres recovered during the week are being responsibly processed by recycling partners such as KwikFit and Murfitts, who will downsize the tyres into granules to be reused in local community recreation areas, including park surfacing—turning a legacy of neglect into resources for public benefit.

“This is how responsible waste management should work,” BTMA noted. “The goodwill and cooperation shown this week—from waste collectors to processors—is a model of how circular economy principles can be applied to the tyre industry. But it also makes clear what happens when the system breaks down.”

The Real Message: Prevention

While celebrating the huge success of the clean-up, BTMA also used the opportunity to speak to the root causes of illegal dumping—from poor enforcement to insufficient tracking of end-of-life tyres.

“Everyone in the supply chain has a role to play. We must ensure that in future, tyres don’t end up in our rivers and seas. That means supporting robust regulation, better traceability, and working with communities and governments on lasting solutions.”

Looking Ahead

BTMA’s involvement at Ogmore is not just a one-off gesture—it is part of a broader, industry-wide movement to promote responsible tyre recovery and reuse, to educate stakeholders about proper disposal, and to prevent environmental harm before it occurs.

As environmental pressures grow and public scrutiny intensifies, events like Ogmore remind us that partnership, purpose, and prevention are key to keeping both our roads and our rivers clean.