Tyre Waste – The Hidden Environmental Challenge
Tyres are among the most widely used products in the global mobility ecosystem. From cars and trucks to two-wheelers and buses, they power every movement we make. Yet, managing end-of-life tyres (ELTs) remains a mounting environmental issue.
Every year, millions of tonnes of tyres reach their disposal stage. Most end up in landfills or are illegally burned, leading to severe air pollution, soil degradation, and health hazards. Burning tyres releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds, all contributing to climate change and respiratory diseases.
To tackle this growing problem, India has introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for tyre waste. This initiative holds producers accountable for tyre collection, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal. Beyond just a compliance requirement, EPR for Tyre Waste is emerging as a powerful lever for circular economy transformation in India.
What is EPR in Tyre Waste Management?
Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a globally recognized policy framework that shifts the responsibility of post-consumer waste management from consumers and governments to manufacturers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs).
In the context of tyre waste management, EPR mandates that tyre producers ensure the collection, recycling, and environmentally safe disposal of used tyres in compliance with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.
Objectives of Tyre Waste EPR
EPR for tyres is designed not only to manage waste but also to drive sustainable business growth and resource efficiency. The key objectives include:
- ♻️ Enabling Waste Management to Drive Circular Economy
- ♻️ Reducing tyre waste sent to landfills
- ♻️ Minimizing environmental pollution
- ♻️ Encouraging recycling and reuse
- ♻️ Promoting sustainable production and consumption
- ♻️ Creating accountability across the tyre lifecycle
👉 Learn how Kar Parivartan supports EPR implementation for tyre producers
EPR and the Circular Economy in Tyre Waste
How EPR Powers Circular Economy Principles
The circular economy envisions a system where products are designed, used, and recycled to keep materials in use for as long as possible. In this model, waste is minimized, and value is continuously regenerated.
EPR for Tyre Waste is a crucial pillar supporting this transition in India’s waste management landscape.
1. Collection & Take-Back
EPR ensures that used tyres are systematically collected from dealers, workshops, and users, reducing instances of illegal dumping or open burning.
2. Recycling & Recovery
Collected tyres are recycled into crumb rubber, used as Tyre-Derived Fuel (TDF), or repurposed for road construction and other innovative applications.
3. Reduced Dependence on Virgin Materials
By recycling tyres, industries can significantly cut down on the need for virgin rubber and other raw materials, conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions.
4. Data-Driven Compliance
EPR mandates transparent digital tracking of collection and recycling activities, promoting accountability and enabling evidence-based decision-making.
Will explore how EPR credits help tyre producers achieve sustainability targets in our next article.
Roles of Stakeholders in Tyre Waste EPR
1. Producers / Manufacturers / Importers
Producers are the primary custodians under the EPR framework. Their responsibilities include:
- Registering with CPCB for EPR authorization
- Meeting annual collection and recycling targets
- Partnering with authorized recyclers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) such as Kar Parivartan
- Submitting transparent compliance reports to regulatory bodies
2. Consumers / End Users
Consumers play a vital role by ensuring that end-of-life tyres are returned to authorized collection centers instead of being dumped or burned. Supporting brands committed to sustainable EPR practices also drives industry-wide change.
3. Recyclers
Recyclers bridge the gap between waste and resource recovery. Their duties include:
- Using eco-friendly recycling technologies (e.g., crumb rubber processing, pyrolysis, road reuse)
- Providing EPR credit certificates to producers
- Maintaining CPCB-standard reporting and transparency in operations
4. Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
PROs are professional intermediaries that help producers fulfill their EPR commitments efficiently. They:
- Coordinate the collection, transportation, and recycling of tyre waste
- Issue EPR compliance certificates
- Manage end-to-end documentation and reporting
- Ensure timely fulfilment of targets under CPCB guidelines
5. Regulators (CPCB & SPCBs)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and CPCB play the key governance roles by:
- Formulating and updating EPR guidelines for tyres
- Monitoring industry-wide compliance
- Enforcing penalties for non-compliance
- Promoting innovation and infrastructure development in tyre recycling
Benefits of Tyre Waste EPR
Implementing the EPR framework for tyre waste delivers multiple environmental, social, and economic benefits:
✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint & Landfill Waste: Diverting tyres from landfills lowers greenhouse gas emissions and prevents soil contamination.
✅ Promotion of Green Jobs: Tyre recycling supports new employment in collection, sorting, logistics, and recycling industries.
✅ Support for India’s Net Zero & SDG Goals: EPR aligns perfectly with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Net Zero 2070 target by fostering responsible production and consumption.
✅ Enhanced Resource Efficiency: Recycling helps recover valuable materials and energy, supporting a closed-loop economy.
EPR – A Roadmap to a Sustainable Tyre Ecosystem
The EPR for Tyre Waste framework is far more than a compliance checkbox—it is a transformational tool enabling India’s journey toward a sustainable, circular economy. By making producers responsible for post-consumer tyre management, EPR ensures that tyres are viewed not as waste but as a renewable resource.
This system connects every stakeholder—manufacturers, recyclers, consumers, and regulators—into a unified mission: to turn tyre waste into opportunity.
Ready to drive your sustainability goals forward?
Join hands with Kar Parivartan, to manage your EPR compliance for tyres seamlessly and responsibly.
👉 Contact Kar Parivartan today and be part of India’s circular economy revolution!
