Tyres
Regulations to support product stewardship for tyres were approved by Government and come into effect in two tranches.
Tranche One
From 1 March 2024, tyres must be sold in accordance with the accredited tyre scheme.
To fund the scheme, a tyre stewardship fee is collected on all regulated tyres when they enter the New Zealand market.
Tranche Two
From 1 September 2024, the scheme will begin full operations.
Scheme participants will receive payments for the services they provide that involve end-of-life tyre movements, such as for the take-back service (eg, collection and transportation).
Incentive payments will be available to support the recovery of raw materials found in end-of-life tyres.
Find out more about how this might affect you:
Large batteries
We consulted on proposed regulations to support product stewardship schemes for large batteries, along with tyres, in late 2021.
Application for accreditation for large batteries is anticipated in 2024 and the earliest regulations might be in effect, subject to Cabinet decision, is 2025.
See the Battery Industry Group website for more information on the co-design process.
Why we need priority product stewardship of 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.
- Mismanaged 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.
Refrigerants and other synthetic greenhouse gases
Scheme co-design is completed and we consulted on proposed regulations to support the scheme in late 2022. A decision on scheme accreditation is anticipated in 2024 and the earliest that regulation may be in effect, subject to Cabinet decision, is in 2024/25.
See the Synthetic Refrigerant Stewardship website for further information.
Farm plastics and agrichemicals and their containers
The Agrecovery Foundation is leading the co-design process for farm plastics and agrichemicals (farm waste). Subject to Cabinet approval, we plan to consult on regulations to support farm wastes in the first half of 2024.
Electrical and electronic products (e-waste)
TechCollect NZ has led the co-design process for an e-waste product stewardship scheme.
In June 2023, TechCollect NZ published recommendations for Aotearoa New Zealand’s e-product stewardship scheme.
See TechCollect NZ for further information.
Subject to Cabinet approval, we plan to consult on regulations to support e-waste product stewardship in 2025.
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.