South Africa Urged to Finalise Long-Delayed Waste Tyre Recycling Plan

South Africa's tyre recycling sector is calling for urgent government action after industry representatives warned that the country still lacks a functional national waste tyre management system. The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) says years of delays have left thousands of tonnes of end-of-life tyres accumulating across the country, creating environmental, economic and public health challenges.

According to REDISA, South Africa generates approximately 240,000 tonnes of waste tyres annually, yet only 48,926 tonnes were processed during the 2024/25 financial year. Industry representatives argue that the absence of a finalised Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan has discouraged investment in new recycling facilities and prevented the expansion of collection and processing networks.

The organisation also highlights that overflowing storage depots, illegal tyre dumping and uncontrolled tyre fires continue to pose serious environmental risks. Without a clear regulatory framework, recyclers and investors face significant uncertainty, slowing the development of South Africa's circular economy.

REDISA is urging the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to introduce a funded and enforceable waste tyre management plan with clear responsibilities, reliable data and measurable implementation targets. Industry stakeholders believe that a modern recycling system could create new jobs, stimulate private investment and significantly improve the recovery of valuable materials such as rubber, steel and recovered carbon black (rCB).

For the global tyre industry, South Africa remains one of Africa's largest automotive manufacturing hubs. A stable and efficient tyre recycling framework would not only strengthen domestic sustainability efforts but could also position the country as a regional leader in end-of-life tyre processing and circular economy initiatives.

Original source: REDISA – SA's Waste Tyre Plan is Still Not in Place (Media Statement, 13 May 2026).