Motorsport Australia partnered with Tyrecycle to launch a tyre recycling pilot program at The Bend Motorsport Park on 23-25 May.

Tyres are a significant waste product for motorsport, and the ability to recycle race tyres post event at scale is a shared goal for the motorsport community.

Sunil Vohra, CEO of Motorsport Australia expects the learnings from the pilot event will inform the feasibility of integrating tyre recycling logistics into motorsport events.

“By partnering with Tyrecycle we’re leveraging industry-leading expertise in resource recovery to trial practical, sustainable solutions tailored to the unique demands of motorsport events.” Vohra said.

The pilot exceeded expectations, with 168 tyres recycled during the three-day event at The Bend Motorsport Park.

“The pilot program supports further investment in aligning motorsport activities with circular economy practices,” Vohra said.

“Tyrecycle provides the critical link between tyre disposal and material reuse.”

Jim Fairweather, CEO of Tyrecycle mentions that working with Motorsport Australia will help to raise awareness about the opportunities and benefits of adopting sustainable practices across all levels of the motorsport industry.

“By having Tyrecycle’s nation-leading used tyre collection and recycling expertise trackside at this event, we’ve been able to offer racing competitors and motorsport administrators a convenient and safe way to manage end of life tyres,” Fairweather said.

“Effective sustainability strategies require accurate, event-specific data. This tyre recycling pilot was designed not only to divert waste but also to generate insights into the types and volumes of tyres used, logistical considerations for on-site collection, and the viability of downstream recycling processes.”

Alistair MacDonald, CEO of The Bend Motorsport Park, was pleased to support the pilot program while highlighting how the industry can work together to address the global challenge of decarbonisation.

“The success of this pilot is proof that sustainable tyre disposal can be integrated into motorsport operations without compromising performance, safety, or event efficiency,” MacDonald said.

“Working with Motorsport Australia and Tyrecycle, we can contribute to the development of best practices and policy recommendations going forward.”

Motorsport Australia will continue to work towards an industry wide goal of 100 per cent tyre recycling through a model that is compatible with the demanding realities of motorsport events.

About Tyrecycle

Tyrecycle is Australia’s largest collector and recycler of end-of-life tyres. With a nation-wide network of collection services and recycling facilities, Tyrecycle recycles approximately 20 million tyres each year. In addition to operating the largest and most diverse tyre recycling facilities in the country, in 2024, Tyrecycle opened Australia’s first off-the-road mining truck tyre recycling facility in Port Hedland. Forming an integral part of the ResourceCo Group, a leader throughout Australia’s resource recovery industry, Tyrecycle is a leader amongst key industry peak bodies that prides itself on maintaining environmental, quality and safety accreditations.

Tyrecycle’s recycling rate performance of 99% is best-in-class, it’s a result of a commitment to maximising the potential of every tyre, strenuous R&D and a continuous improvement program across all operations. For over 30 years Tyrecycle has established and unrivalled material traceability and chain of custody service, working closely with feedstock partners to provide them with the peace of mind that their ‘waste’ isn’t being wasted.

Tyrecycle’s made-to-specification recycled rubber crumb and granules are used in a wide range of applications, including in tile adhesives, playgrounds and sporting fields and most widely used the in construction and resurfacing of roads. Used as a binder with bitumen, and applied via hot -mix or seal spray, rubber crumb enhances road performance, significantly reducing road noise and extending the life of our roads by making them more durable and sustainable.

Tyre Derived Fuel (TDF) is an alternate fuel source used by high energy consumers throughout North and South Asia. TDF displaces the use of fossil fuels such as coal and gas thereby provides customers with important reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.