Tyres and large batteries
We consulted on proposed regulations to support product stewardship schemes for tyres and large batteries in late 2021.
Accreditation for tyres has been completed, and the earliest date for regulation to be in-effect is anticipated in in late 2023. See the Tyrewise website for more information.
Accreditation for large batteries is anticipated in mid-late 2023, and the earliest date for regulation to be in-effect is anticipated in 2024. See the Battery Industry Group website for more information on scheme design.
Why we need regulations for product stewardship of tyres and large batteries
Tyres:
- Every year around 6.5 million tyres are imported into New Zealand
- When they reach the end of their use, about a third are exported, recycled or used for other purposes such as silage weights on farms.
- The rest go to landfill or are illegally dumped.
- This creates the risk of fire and toxic emissions.
Large batteries:
- Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires major increases in renewable energy and electric vehicles and both require large batteries.
- In 2020, an estimated 1,000 electric vehicle batteries reached the end of their useful lives.
- It is estimated that by 2030 that number could reach 84,000 each year.
- Mis-managed large batteries also pose risk of fire and if they end up in the landfill or the environment toxins such as heavy metals are released.
The product stewardship schemes for tyres and large batteries have been co-designed with industry and other stakeholders to ensure they work for both the people involved and the environment.
The schemes need regulations to work, to ensure the entire sector participates and follows best practice.
Refrigerants and other synthetic greenhouse gases
Scheme co-design is completed and we consulted on proposed regulations to support the scheme in late 2022. Scheme accreditation is anticipated in March 2023 and regulation may be in-effect in 2024.
See the Synthetic Refrigerant Stewardship website for further information.
Farm plastics and Agrichemicals and their containers (farm waste)
The Agrecovery Foundation is leading the co-design process for farm plastics and agrichemicals (farm waste). We plan to consult on regulations to support farm wastes in late 2023.
Electrical and Electronic Products (e-waste)
TechCollect New Zealand is leading the co-design process for e-waste product stewardship scheme. We anticipate the scheme design will be complete in 2023, and plan to consult on regulations to support the e-waste scheme in 2024.
Co-design process information is available for e-waste [TechCollect website].
Plastic packaging
The Packaging Forum and New Zealand Food and Grocery Council are leading the two-year co-design process on plastic packaging. Timings for accreditation and consultation on regulations to support the scheme will depend on the outcomes of the co-design process.