THE ULTIMATE TYREWISE GUIDE
Everything you need to know about New Zealand's tyre stewardship scheme—what you pay, where it goes, and why it matters for our environment.
🛒 Shopping at TyreDispatch? All our prices already include the Tyre Stewardship Fee — no surprises at checkout.
📋 What's in This Guide
🔄 What is TyreWise?
TyreWise is New Zealand's first regulated product stewardship scheme for end-of-life tyres.[1] It's a comprehensive system that ensures every tyre sold in New Zealand is responsibly collected and recycled at end of life—funded entirely by an upfront fee of $6.65 (ex GST) per Equivalent Passenger Unit (EPU), eliminating ad-hoc disposal charges.[2]
Each year, approximately 6.5 million tyres (equivalent to 10.2 million EPUs or ~96,000 tonnes) reach end-of-life in NZ.[7] Before TyreWise, an estimated 67% had unknown end-uses, including export, landfill disposal, and accumulation in illegal stockpiles—costing ratepayers an estimated $1.8 million annually in cleanup and fire response.[4]
💵 How the Tyre Stewardship Fee Works
The Tyre Stewardship Fee (TSF) is charged on every new regulated tyre entering New Zealand—whether imported loose or fitted to a vehicle. It's collected at the border and passed through the supply chain to you.[2]
The Fee Structure
Fees are based on Equivalent Passenger Units (EPU)—a standard measure where 1 EPU equals one average passenger car tyre (~9.5kg for new, ~8kg end-of-life).[8]
| Tyre Type | EPU Value | Fee (ex GST) | Fee (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle / Scooter | 0.5 EPU | $3.33 | $3.83 |
| Standard Passenger Car | 1.0 EPU | $6.65 | $7.65 |
| SUV / Light Truck | 1.2–1.5 EPU | $7.98–$9.98 | $9.18–$11.48 |
| Large Truck Tyre | 4.2 EPU | $27.93 | $32.12 |
| Agricultural / OTR | Variable | Varies by size | Varies by size |
Source: Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023, Schedule 2[2]
How It's Collected
The TSF must be passed through at cost—retailers cannot add margin.[2] It must appear as a separate line item on your invoice labelled "TSF" or "Tyre Stewardship Fee". Since 1 September 2024, retailers cannot charge additional disposal fees on tyres where the stewardship fee has been paid.[9]
All prices on TyreDispatch.co.nz already include the Tyre Stewardship Fee. The price you see is the price you pay — we show the TSF breakdown on your invoice as required, but you'll never be surprised by extra charges at checkout.
⚡ Tyre Stewardship Fee Calculator
Source: EPU values based on Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023, Schedule 2 and TyreWise official guidance.
Note: This is an estimate only. Actual EPU varies by specific tyre size, weight, and type. The fee shown is what importers pay TyreWise - retailers may display this differently on invoices. Current rate: $6.65/EPU ex GST (Dec 2025).
Quick Reference: Common Scenarios
| Scenario | Tyres | Total Fee (ex GST) | Total Fee (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace 4 car tyres | 4 × 1.0 EPU | $26.60 | $30.59 |
| New motorcycle (2 tyres) | 2 × 0.5 EPU | $6.65 | $7.65 |
| New SUV (5 tyres incl. spare) | 5 × 1.3 EPU avg | $43.23 | $49.71 |
| Truck & trailer (22 tyres) | 22 × 4.2 EPU avg | $614.46 | $706.63 |
| Boat trailer (2 tyres) | 2 × 1.0 EPU | $13.30 | $15.30 |
Calculations based on $6.65/EPU (ex GST) as per Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023[2]
When you shop at TyreDispatch.co.nz, all Tyre Stewardship Fees are already included in our displayed prices. No need to calculate — just choose your tyres and checkout. The TSF will be itemised on your invoice for transparency.
✅ What's Covered (and What's Not)
TyreWise covers all pneumatic and solid tyres for motorised vehicles under the Land Transport Act 1998 definition, where "motor vehicle" means "a vehicle drawn or propelled by mechanical power".[2]
✅ Included in TyreWise
- Passenger cars & light trucks
- Heavy trucks & buses
- Motorcycles & scooters
- Trailers (boat, caravan, agricultural)
- Tractors & farm machinery
- Forklifts & industrial equipment
- Construction equipment (excavators, loaders)
- Mining machinery
- ATVs & ride-on mowers
- Golf carts (motorised)
- Aircraft tyres
- Second-hand tyres (imported)[2]
Bicycle tyres, non-motorised equipment tyres, and retreading materials remain declared as priority products and will be brought into TyreWise regulation at a later date, expected following consultation in late 2024 or 2025.[11]
📊 Where Your Money Goes
Every dollar of the $6.65 fee is allocated to running New Zealand's tyre stewardship system. Here's the Year 1 breakdown based on TyreWise's operational reports:[12]
🚚 Transport (54%) — What It Pays For
The largest slice funds the physical movement of tyres from retailers and collection sites to processors:
- Per-tonne payments to registered transporters nationwide
- Pickups from 4,624+ commercial partners (retailers, mechanics, fleet operators)
- Collections from 86 public drop-off sites, from the Far North to Central Otago
- Routing, logistics optimisation, and tracking through the national IT system
- Ensuring rural and remote areas have viable pickup options
Real impact: In the first four months (Sept-Dec 2024), TyreWise paid over $9.2 million to transporters, aligning with the 54% forecast.[12]
♻ Processing (23%) — NZ Companies Turning Tyres Into Products
Per-tonne incentive payments go to registered processors who shred, granulate, and manufacture tyre-derived products:
🔗 treadlite.co.nz
🔗 rubbersolutions.co.nz
🔗 goldenbay.co.nz
🔗 watersmartnz.co.nz
🔗 ableaxcess.co.nz
🔗 numatrec.co.nz
Target: 80% of collected tyres processed and sold into NZ domestic markets by Year 4, 90% by Year 6.[12]
💡 R&D & Grants (9%) — The TyreWise Fund (Puna Taurima)
9% of every fee goes into a dedicated innovation fund with up to $7 million available annually across three streams:[13]
Types of projects being funded:
- Rubber in roading: Crumb rubber modified asphalt trials to extend pavement life and reduce maintenance costs
- Building innovation: Research on foundations incorporating tyre rubber for seismic resilience (University of Canterbury & ESR)
- Processing technology: New facilities and equipment to improve crumb rubber quality and consistency
- Community spaces: Playgrounds, sports courts, walkways using NZ-made rubber surfacing
Real example: Cambridge North Playground — A community space surfaced with Playtop rubber made from recycled tyres, delivering safer, colourful play areas. Profiled by TyreWise as exactly the type of project Puna Taurima aims to scale nationwide.[13]
First round: Over 60 expressions of interest received in the inaugural grants window (1-29 July 2025).[14]
⚙ Operations (5%)
- Scheme manager (3R Group)
- National IT systems for tracking
- Payment processing
- Compliance & auditing
📚 Education (5%)
- TyreWise website & FAQs
- Public awareness campaigns
- Retailer training
- Council & community outreach
💼 Other (4%)
- ASNZ governance
- MfE monitoring (0.48%)
- Independent experts
- Legal & audit costs
🤔 Can You Influence Where Your Money Goes?
Short answer: You can't direct your specific $6.65 to a particular project, but you can influence priorities through several channels:
Any NZ business, research institution, university, or not-for-profit can apply. Work with your council, school, or marae to propose playground surfacing, walking paths, or local roading pilots using recycled rubber.
When TyreWise or MfE run consultations, make submissions advocating for more community funding, geographic equity, or transparency.
Advocate for your council to use tyre-derived products in new playgrounds, sports courts, or roading projects. This creates demand that the scheme's processing incentives can supply.
Read the public Annual Reports and Scheme Management Reports to see how money is being spent, then hold TyreWise accountable if priorities should shift.
Why no direct voting? The fee is a regulated product stewardship levy under the Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023, not a voluntary donation. Spending is governed by Auto Stewardship NZ (ASNZ) under a Deed of Delivery with the Crown, with grant decisions made by an independent Grants Committee — not popular vote.
Sources: TyreWise Scheme Management Reports, Code of Participation, Puna Taurima Guidelines[12][13][14]
📍 Collection Network
TyreWise operates a nationwide collection network through commercial partners and public drop-off sites—all free for tyres where the stewardship fee has been paid.[1]
Drop up to 5 tyres per visit for FREE at any TyreWise public site. No booking required.
🔍 Find Your Nearest Site
Use the official TyreWise site finder for full addresses, opening hours, and contact details:
🔗 tyrewise.co.nz/find-a-drop-off-locationTyreWise Contact: info@tyrewise.co.nz | tyrewise.co.nz
♻️ Recycling & End Uses
Once collected, tyres are processed into valuable materials. TyreWise incentivises higher-value end uses over energy recovery or export, aligned with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Tire Waste Hierarchy.[16]
The Tyre Recycling Process
TyreWise: Follow the journey of your old tyres from drop-off to new products.
What Your Old Tyres Become
Registered Processors
| Processor | Location | Capabilities | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waste Management Ltd | Auckland | Shredding, crumb rubber, chip | wastemanagement.co.nz |
| Tyrecycle NZ | Auckland | Shredding, crumb production | tyrecycle.co.nz |
| Treadlite NZ Ltd | Cambridge | Integrated transport-processor | treadlite.co.nz |
| Eco Tyres Recyclers | Whanganui | Shredding, regional processing | ecotyres.co.nz |
| Revyre Global | Canterbury | South Island capacity, crumb | revyre.co.nz |
| Golden Bay Cement | Northland | TDF for cement kiln | goldenbay.co.nz |
Source: TyreWise Milestone Report 1[9] | Websites may have changed — verify before contacting.
Processing capacity in the South Island remains "extremely limited" per ASNZ Chair Mark Gilbert. The TyreWise Fund is prioritising infrastructure investment to address this—in the meantime, some tyres are transported north or exported to verified overseas processors.[14]
🌏 Environmental Impact
TyreWise isn't just about convenience—it's addressing a genuine environmental crisis. Environmental anthropologist Dr Trisia Farrelly of Massey University called the priority product declaration "an historic moment in Aotearoa's waste management legislation."[4]
What 60kg of CO2 looks like:
Beyond carbon - other benefits:
Calculations based on 15kg CO2 per EPU. Sources: TyreWise, Ministry for the Environment, EECA.
NZ vs. The World
| Country | Scheme Type | Recycling Rate | Landfill Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ (Pre-TyreWise) | Voluntary/None | ~30% | ~70% |
| NZ (Target 2028) | TyreWise (Mandatory) | 80%+ | <20% |
| European Union | Extended Producer Responsibility | 92-97% | <5% |
| Japan | Manufacturer Responsibility | 95%+ | <3% |
| Canada | Provincial Stewardship | 90%+ | <5% |
| Australia | TSA (transitioning mandatory) | 75-80% | ~15% |
| USA | State-level (variable) | 45-60% | 20-30% |
Source: WBCSD Global ELT Management Report (2019)[16] and Ministry for the Environment data[4]
🏢 For Businesses
If you're a tyre retailer, importer, fleet operator, or processor, TyreWise creates new legal obligations under the Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023—but also eliminates disposal headaches.[2]
Who Must Register?
- Importers — Anyone importing tyres (loose or on vehicles)
- Retailers & Fitters — Anyone selling or fitting tyres
- Fleet Operators — Businesses generating waste tyres
- Transporters — Moving waste tyres to processors
- Processors — Shredding, granulating, or processing tyres
- Manufacturers — Creating end-use products from recycled tyre material[2]
Your Obligations
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register with TyreWise via their online portal. Free to register.[2] |
| Fee Disclosure | Show the TSF as a separate line item on all invoices—no mark-ups allowed.[2] |
| No Disposal Fees | You cannot charge disposal fees on tyres where the TSF has been paid (since 1 Sep 2024).[9] |
| Separate Storage | Keep second-hand tyres (for resale) stored separately from waste tyres.[2] |
| Book Collections | Use the TyreWise app to book free collections from registered transporters.[9] |
| Record Keeping | Maintain records of tyre movements for audit purposes.[2] |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Ministry for the Environment holds enforcement authority under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008:[3]
- Infringement Notices: $1,000-$5,000 for minor breaches (e.g., failure to disclose TSF)[20]
- Administrative Monetary Penalties: Up to $40,000 for serious breaches[20]
- Prosecution: Fines up to $200,000 under WMA section 65[3]
92% of registered partners positive about the scheme (72% "very positive"), 85% confident they understand their responsibilities. Bridgestone NZ General Manager Jeremy Mackintosh noted: "The scheme has transformed the way the sector deals with waste tyres."[14]
📅 Timeline & History
TyreWise took over 13 years to develop—from concept to New Zealand's first regulated product stewardship scheme.[1]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The TSF isn't a tax—it's a cost-recovery fee regulated under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 that funds the entire tyre collection and recycling system.[3] Before TyreWise, you either paid disposal fees when replacing tyres, or the cost was hidden in council rates for cleaning up illegal dumps. Now, the cost is transparent, fair, and paid once upfront. No disposal fees at end of life, and no hidden costs passed to ratepayers.
Yes! TyreWise covers all waste regulated tyres, regardless of when they were purchased.[9] The scheme doesn't discriminate between "pre-fee" and "post-fee" tyres. Just take them to any registered collection point or retailer.
No. Since 1 September 2024, retailers cannot charge disposal or environmental fees on tyres where the TSF has been paid.[9] If you're being charged extra, that's non-compliant—ask to see the TSF on your invoice and report issues to the Ministry for the Environment at [email protected].[20]
The TSF is collected at first registration by NZTA as part of on-road costs, using Schedule 2 Tables 2-4 of the Regulations.[2] The fee covers all tyres on the vehicle (including the spare, if applicable). If you later import replacement tyres, those will have the fee collected at customs.
Not yet. Bicycle tyres are declared as priority products but are part of "Scope 2"—expected to be added after consultation in 2025-26.[11] For now, check with your local council for bicycle tyre disposal options.
Mobility device tyres are explicitly excluded from the scheme. The Land Transport Act defines mobility devices as those designed for people with physical/neurological impairments, powered by motors ≤1500W.[10]
There are 86 public drop-off sites across 13 regions—typically at council transfer stations and recycling centres.[14] Most accept up to 5 tyres per visit at no charge. You can also leave them with any TyreWise-registered tyre retailer when getting new ones fitted.
Register with TyreWise (free), then use the TyreWise app (web-based waste tracking tool) to book collections from registered transporters.[9] Collections are free. Transporters are paid per tonne by TyreWise—you don't receive a bill.
You can apply for a refund from the Ministry for the Environment.[2] You'll need supporting invoices showing the fee was paid twice on the same tyres. Refunds also apply to tyres later exported or incorrectly calculated.
EPU = Equivalent Passenger Unit—a standardised measure where 1 EPU equals one average car tyre (~9.5kg new, ~8kg end-of-life).[8] It allows fair comparison across wildly different tyre sizes: a motorcycle tyre is 0.5 EPU, a truck tyre is 4.2 EPU. The fee is $6.65 per EPU, so bigger/heavier tyres pay proportionally more.
Yes! All prices on TyreDispatch.co.nz already include the Tyre Stewardship Fee. We believe in transparent, all-inclusive pricing — the price you see is the price you pay. The TSF is itemised separately on your invoice as required by the regulations, but you won't get any surprises at checkout. When you're done with your tyres, just drop them at any TyreWise collection point for free.
🛠️ Interactive Tools
Interactive tools to help you understand tyre stewardship, calculate costs, and see environmental impact:
🛒 Ready to Buy Tyres?
All TyreDispatch prices include the Tyre Stewardship Fee — no hidden charges, no surprises. Plus, we're a registered TyreWise partner, so your old tyres are sorted for free.
📚 Sources & References
This guide is compiled from official government and industry sources. All statistics and claims are cited below:
- TyreWise / 3R Group. TyreWise Scheme Overview and Background. Official scheme documentation, 2012-2024. Available at: tyrewise.co.nz
- New Zealand Government. Waste Minimisation (Tyres) Regulations 2023. New Zealand Legislation, gazetted late 2023. Includes Schedule 2 EPU tables and fee collection mechanisms.
- New Zealand Government. Waste Minimisation Act 2008. New Zealand Legislation. Enables priority product declarations and product stewardship schemes.
- Ministry for the Environment. Priority Products Declaration - Tyres. July 2020. Associate Minister Eugenie Sage declaration; includes Dr Trisia Farrelly quote.
- TyreWise Advisory Group. Tyrewise 2.0 – Regulated Product Stewardship Programme for End of Life Tyres. Updated Report, July 2022.
- Ministry for the Environment. NZ Tyre Waste Statistics and International Comparisons. Priority Products briefing materials, 2020.
- Ministry for the Environment. Waste Tyres Economic Research: Report 3 – Intervention Options. KPMG analysis, 2015. Includes environmental impact data and fire incident costs.
- Tyre Stewardship Australia. EPU Methodology and Technical Guidelines. 2023-24. Referenced for EPU weight standards (1 new EPU = 9.5kg, 1 ELT EPU = 8kg).
- TyreWise / ASNZ. Scheme Management Report – Milestone 1 (September-December 2024). Quarterly reporting data.
- New Zealand Government. Land Transport Act 1998, Section 2. Definition of "motor vehicle" and mobility device exclusions (≤1500W).
- Ministry for the Environment. Scope 2 Priority Products – Consultation Timeline. Expected late 2024/2025 for bicycle tyres, retreading materials.
- TyreWise / ASNZ. Fee Allocation Model – Year 1 Forecast. Breakdown: Transport 54%, Processing 23%, R&D 9%, Operations 5%, Education 5%, Other 4%.
- TyreWise. TyreWise Fund (Puna Taurima) Guidelines. Launched July 2025, up to $7 million annually across three funding streams.
- TyreWise / ASNZ. TyreWise Annual Report 2025. First annual report covering March 2024 – September 2025. Includes 36,801 tonnes collected, 4,624 partners, 92% satisfaction rate, and quotes from Jeremy Mackintosh and Adele Rose.
- TyreWise. Transporter Tender Process. Managed by NZ Procurement & Probity Services, June-July 2024.
- World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Global ELT Management – A Global State of Knowledge Report. 2019. International best practices and waste hierarchy.
- TyreWise. Market Development Strategy and Emerging End-Uses. Includes rubber in roading (Selwyn District Council trials), Porous Lane paving, devulcanisation R&D.
- Golden Bay Cement / Fletcher Building. Tyre-Derived Fuel Program. Portland, Whangarei plant. 25,000-30,000 tyres annually.
- Fire & Emergency New Zealand. The Cost of Fire in New Zealand – Report 193. 2020. Fire suppression cost baseline: $500k-$2.5m per major tyre fire incident.
- Ministry for the Environment. Compliance and Enforcement Framework – Tyre Stewardship. Infringement notices $1,000-$5,000, AMPs up to $40,000, prosecution fines up to $200,000 (WMA s.65).
- KPMG / Ministry for the Environment. Waste Tyres Economic Research: Intervention Options Analysis. 2015. Option C (Mandatory Product Stewardship) NPV $16m, recommended over voluntary schemes.
- URS Consulting. Product Stewardship Case Study for End of Life Tyres. 2006. TyreTrack scheme evaluation (40% registration, 25-30% tracking, scheme disbanded 2009).
- Firecone Consulting. Management of End of Life Tyres – Report. 2004. Cleanup cost data: $8,000-$100,000 per illegal dumping site.
- Ministry for the Environment. National Environmental Standard for Outdoor Tyre Storage – Regulatory Impact Statement. 2021. Maximum 360m³ per location, fire/leaching management.
- Statistics New Zealand. Imports & Exports Database. 2024. Customs data for tyre import volumes.
- OECD. Policies to Reduce Microplastics Pollution in Water. 2021. Identified tyre wear as priority microplastic source.
