Thousands of used Marlborough tyres could end up transformed as sneakers thanks to a new scheme to export tyres to Asia for recycling.

People will pay less to dump old tyres at transfer stations throughout Marlborough under the scheme, a partnership between the Marlborough District Council and a Christchurch-based tyre collection contractor. Scrap Tyre Movements owner Pat Rogers said tyres are exported to Asia in bales and ground down to a powder.

The powder is sold as raw material which is used for anything from roading to shoe soles.

Prior to the scheme, whole tyres could be taken to the landfill for between $5 and $10 per tyre. Alternatively, a tyre could be cut up and deposited within a regular trailer load of rubbish.

[image: Wear this: Marlborough District Council operations and maintenance engineer Stephen Rooney, left, and Scrap Tyre Movements owner Pat Rogers are behind a new tyre recycling scheme]

The South Island's largest city, Christchurch, is a city of warm, friendly people, beautiful gardens and open spaces. It has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, lots of sports facilities and good shopping. Christchurch's special character is most obvious in its glorious parks and gardens, which led it to win the International Garden City Award.

With a huge range of recreational activities and attractions on offer visitors can enjoy active or more leisurely pursuits the whole year round.

There is never a dull moment in this very special city. Throughout the year Christchurch proudly celebrates over a dozen festivals with themes covering everything from music to comedy, books to buskers, and the arts to gardens.

The city also plays host to numerous international sporting events each year.

The Christchurch City Council's goal is zero residual disposal of waste to landfill.
A policy of Zero Waste was adopted in December 1998.