Bridgestone Joins Forces for Major Tyre Clean-Up in Welsh River

Bridgestone Helps Turn the Tide in Welsh River Tyre Clear-Up

Environmental Action on the River Ogmore

Bridgestone has stepped up its environmental efforts by supporting a significant clean-up operation on the River Ogmore in Wales, where over 3,000 waste tyres were successfully removed from the riverbed. This large-scale initiative, led by Keep Wales Tidy and dedicated volunteer Gareth Davies, represents one of the most ambitious tyre recovery efforts ever undertaken in the UK.

The campaign was carried out in collaboration with the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), with Bridgestone providing crucial logistical and environmental support. The tyres, estimated to weigh more than 30 tonnes, were manually retrieved using a combination of community volunteers and specialist machinery. Once removed, the tyres were carefully transported to licensed recycling facilities to ensure they were handled responsibly.

This effort forms part of Bridgestone’s broader E8 Commitment – a sustainability framework based on eight core values including ecology, energy, and efficiency. The clean-up embodies this commitment by protecting local ecosystems and contributing to long-term environmental health.

Gareth Davies, who has been campaigning for nearly 20 years to address the tyre pollution in the Ogmore, was instrumental in driving the project forward. His local knowledge and environmental passion were key in rallying support from all corners to make the clean-up a reality.

Driving Sustainability Through Collaboration

Bridgestone’s involvement in the River Ogmore project demonstrates the power of collaborative environmental action. By working hand-in-hand with the TRA, local volunteers, and organisations such as Keep Wales Tidy, the tyre manufacturer showcased a practical example of how business and community interests can align to protect the natural world.

Andrea Manenti, Bridgestone’s North Region Managing Director, reflected on the project’s impact: “This clean-up operation exemplifies what can be achieved when companies, local heroes, and environmental bodies work together. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved and a signal of our commitment to sustainable change.”

This campaign also highlights Bridgestone’s drive to support the circular economy within the tyre sector. By ensuring that every removed tyre was responsibly recycled, the company reinforced the importance of sustainable end-of-life tyre practices and reduced the risk of further ecological damage.

As the project wrapped up, the restored riverbed stood as a powerful reminder of what collective effort and long-term vision can achieve. It serves not only as a local success but also as a model for future environmental initiatives across the UK and Europe.

Bridgestone’s support of this campaign is just one example of its commitment to people, the planet, and progress – and signals more action to come in the journey towards a more sustainable future.