Launceston residents will be able to recycle tyres free of charge at the Launceston Waste Centre throughout June.
A charge of $8 usually applies for the disposal of tyres at the Launceston Waste Centre, but this fee will be waived for the next four weeks thanks to a grant from Tyre Stewardship Australia.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the scheme would allow Launceston households to dispose of up to eight tyres throughout June.
“Used vehicle tyres can be a huge environmental problem when not disposed of correctly,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“This four week scheme will remove the cost barrier to recycling tyres for residents, and hopefully also raise awareness about tyre recycling and the environmental problems associated with illegal dumping. We hope plenty of people will take advantage of the opportunity.”
The scheme will include car, four wheel drive and motorcycle tyres, as well as tyres with rims, and is open to residents of the Launceston municipality.
Commercial operators will not be eligible.
Mayor van Zetten said the scheme would operate until July 1, or until the grant funds were expended, whichever came sooner.
“This is a fantastic way to dispose of unwanted tyres responsibly,” Mayor van Zetten said.
“The tyres we collect are recycled into soft fall for playgrounds, surfacing for athletic tracks, incorporated into roads, used in the production of adhesives, and a range of other uses.”
