Tyre sector plan
The Scottish tyre sector includes regulated activities that produce new tyres from raw materials as well as the storage, treatment, recovery and export of waste tyres. The sector plan presents our vision for the sector, and aims to ensure that activities do not cause harm to the environment or local communities, waste crime is eradicated and legacy stockpiles are removed. It seeks to support responsible businesses in establishing an innovative waste tyre treatment infrastructure within Scotland that is valued as part of our emerging circular economy.
Regulations and guidance
The manufacture of new tyres and specific recovery activities for waste tyres are regulated under The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (PPC 2012). Those sites that store or treat waste tyres by shredding or baling are largely regulated under The Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011. If you require any further information or advice, please contact us.
Waste tyres have the potential to release hazardous substances into the environment when set on fire and are a blight on the landscape if not treated, recycled or disposed of properly. You can report illegal activity by calling the pollution hotline 0800 80 70 60 or online via the dumb dumpers website.
The export of waste tyres is subject to regulatory control. Our guide to import and export controls gives a summary of what you need to know. If you are planning on exporting waste tyres we recommend that you contact us for advice.
The transport of waste tyres within the UK is also subject to regulatory control. Register as a waste carrier or check who is a registered waste carrier on our website.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the First Minister pledged that Scotland would lead the way to deliver a more equal, more just world, by signing Scotland up to the United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. These global goals give us the framework to achieve real change, from eradicating poverty to ensuring a good home for us all. This vision is underpinned by Our Approach to Regulation, which aims to deliver environmental protection and improvement in ways which help communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our planet.
Scotland’s businesses have a critical role to play in leading Scotland’s contribution to achieving SDGs. Through our sector plans, we have identified opportunities that will work towards achieving the goals and help realise the economic benefit of increased resource efficiency, innovation and resilience.
The actions set out in the tyre sector plan contribute towards UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.