Annual export of 50 million used tires from the UK to India, according to research findings
In a shocking revelation, an investigation by SourceMaterial and BBC File on 4 Investigates has uncovered that over 50 million British waste tyres are being burned for fuel in India each year. This practice, known as tyre pyrolysis, has raised significant concerns about legal challenges, environmental impact, and worker safety.
Legally, the UK Environmental Agency (EA) has acknowledged shortcomings in controlling these exports. A large proportion of waste tyres exported from the UK to India do not reach the licensed recovery facilities as required by law, instead being diverted to unregulated or illegal pyrolysis plants. The EA has admitted failure to comply fully with the UK Waste Shipments Regulation (WSR), particularly due to a lack of credible proof to verify that exports are handled in an environmentally sound manner.
Environmentally, these illegally operated pyrolysis plants in India cause pollution and health risks. Despite India's ban on importing waste tyres for pyrolysis since July 2022, exports from the UK have increased. Many tyres end up in makeshift furnaces or unlicensed facilities that lack proper environmental safeguards, resulting in hazardous waste processing with likely emissions of toxic substances.
Regarding working conditions, while explicit details from the search results are limited, the unregulated pyrolysis plants in India are generally understood to have poor health and safety standards. Workers often face unsafe environments, exposure to toxic fumes, and lack of proper protection or labor rights.
In response, the UK Environment Agency has announced enhanced verification checks and tightened export controls, such as making Annex VII documentation mandatory before shipping tyres to India to prevent illegal diversion. However, challenges remain due to cross-border complexities between England and Scotland and ongoing enforcement issues.
The situation reflects complex failures in export regulation, enforcement, and environmental and labor protections on both sides, prompting reform efforts in the UK regulatory framework. The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) previously warned that the rise in unregulated imports poses significant environmental and safety risks.
The practice of exporting waste tyres from the UK to India for fuel is a matter of legal challenge in the UK. The UK government is facing a legal challenge over failing to stop the practice, from the campaign group Fighting Dirty represented by law firm Leigh Day. Many imported tyres are sold on Facebook groups by Indian traders and middlemen, and some shipments of tyres traded on these platforms show up to 500 tonnes being traded at Indian ports for up to £80,000.
This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect both the environment and the health and safety of workers in India and the UK. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that meaningful changes will be implemented to address these pressing concerns.
References:
- SourceMaterial and BBC File on 4 Investigates
- The Guardian
- The Times
- India Today
- The Wire
- The investigation by SourceMaterial and BBC File on 4 Investigates has highlighted that the practice of burning British waste tyres in India for fuel is causing significant environmental challenges.
- The UK Environmental Agency (EA) has admitted to failing to comply fully with the UK Waste Shipments Regulation (WSR), particularly due to a lack of credible proof to verify that waste tyre exports are handled in an environmentally sound manner.
- The automotive industry and organizations such as the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) have warned that the rise in unregulated imports of waste tyres poses significant environmental and safety risks, and call for stricter regulations and enforcement.
