Georgian company Tegeta Motors and its environmental organisation Tegeta Green Planet have removed up to 2,000 illegally dumped tyres from a former landfill site near the settlement of Giorgitsminda, Georgia, as part of a large-scale environmental campaign
The tyres had been discarded in the area for several years, posing potential risks to soil quality, water resources and public health. Thanks to its staff and equipment, Tegeta cleared the site within a few days, with all recovered tyres set to be recycled in accordance with technical and environmental regulations.
Apart from removing the illegally dumped tyres, the Tegeta initiative also wanted to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of the uncontrolled disposal of tyres and automotive waste.
Shalva Akhvlediani, Director of Tegeta Green Planet, said: “We are delighted that, as part of a joint initiative between Tegeta Motors and Tegeta Green Planet, we have implemented another large-scale project and cleared the contaminated area of car tyres. Such activities significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment, especially considering that the collected waste is recycled in full compliance with technical regulations.”
Akhvlediani explained that the organisation carried out several similar projects in recent years. “Last year alone, Tegeta Green Planet collected and recycled more than 6,000 tons of automotive waste — tyres, batteries, and used oil. We are proud that these figures are growing every year, and in this way, we are contributing to the development of a circular economy and environmental protection in our country.”
The organisation has previously organised clean-up activities in cities including Tbilisi and Bakuriani, and it currently operates around 45 waste collection points. Tegeta also encourages citizens to report areas that are contaminated with tyres and automotive waste through its website or Tegeta app.
In 2022, Tegeta Green Planet was authorised to organise the EPR scheme in Georgia for six years, including the implementation of a collective compliance scheme for waste tyres. Since then, up to 350 manufacturers have joined the organisation.
Image credit: Tegeta Green Planet
