Since 2007, Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) has been at the forefront of managing the collection and recycling of scrap tires across BC. As a not-for-profit organization, TSBC helps tire producers and retailers meet their regulatory obligations through its ministry-approved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan. In 2024, TSBC achieved remarkable milestones in tire recycling, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Tire Recycling Efforts

In 2024, an impressive 5.6 million car tire equivalents were collected through TSBC’s tire recycling program. This brings the total number of car tire equivalents collected and processed since 1991 to over 122 million.

These scrap tires were gathered from registered collection locations, including auto shops and tire retailers where consumers replaced their old tires, as well as from Return-to-Retailers (R2Rs) where individuals could drop off up to four “orphan” tires free of charge. Additionally, TSBC hosted public drop-off events, further enhancing collection efforts.

Once collected, TSBC’s haulers transported the scrap tires to Liberty Tire’s processing plant in Delta, BC. There, 100% of the collected tires were processed to extract steel, fibers, and rubber, which were then repurposed into new products such as playground surfaces, running tracks and fitness areas, arena flooring and mats, and bowls and mats for farm animals.

Tire Recycling Collection Network

The success of tire transformation is largely due to TSBC’s extensive network including over 2,000 collection locations. These registered tire retailers play a crucial role in the recycling process by taking back one scrap tire per new tire sold. Many retailers also volunteer to participate in the Return-to-Retailer (R2R) program, making tire recycling even more accessible.

• In 2024, 761 R2R locations participated, offering free drop-off for “orphan” tires (clean and off-rim).
• At least 25% of registered collection locations in each Regional District participated in the R2R program, ensuring broad coverage across BC.

Related: How and Where Drivers in BC Recycle Their Old Tires

Community Impact

One of TSBC’s standout initiatives, the TSBC Community Grant Program, continued to make a significant impact in 2024. Since its inception in 2009, the program has awarded over $6.3 million in funding, supporting 349 projects in 90+ communities across BC. These grants have helped build:

• Playgrounds
• Water parks
• Fitness areas
• Walkways and running tracks

Recycled rubber surfacing from repurposed tires meets CSA fall height standards, is fully wheelchair accessible, low maintenance, weather-resistant, and aligns with BC’s green procurement policy. In 2024 alone, over 11,800 car tire equivalents were repurposed into community projects.

TSBC proudly supported various organizations and initiatives in 2024, including:

• BC First Nations Recycling Initiative (FNRI): Collaborated with 32 First Nations communities, the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group (IZWTAG), and 11 stewardship organizations to address waste accumulation in Indigenous communities.
• Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF): Continued partnership for pollution cleanup expeditions, helping divert waste from landfills. TSBC’s support enabled OLF to acquire a tire guillotine, enhancing the efficiency of tire processing.
• ARTist Response Team and Interchange Recycling: Recognized the power of music in education and community engagement by working with BC school teachers to promote tire recycling and environmental awareness.
• Sea Smart: A Vancouver-based charity that partnered with TSBC to educate elementary students and teachers in Metro Vancouver on the importance of recycling.

Related: Over 12,000 Scrap Car Tires Collected in First Nations Communities

Tire Collection Events

To further enhance scrap tire collection, 20 collection events were organized in BC. These events were held in collaboration with Liberty Tire, Return-to-Retailers, Regional Districts, municipalities, and community groups. These events offered free disposal for all tire sizes, both on- and off-rim, exclusively for residential quantities.

This initiative significantly helped BC residents properly dispose of old or abandoned tires, leading to the collection of 14,221 “orphan” tires in 2024.

Related: Thank You, BC! Over 14,000 Orphan Tires Recycled Thanks to Tire Collection Events in 2024

Looking Ahead

TSBC’s 2024 achievements showcase the power of collective efforts in tire recycling, waste reduction, and community support. Committed to strong partnerships, increased accessibility to recycling programs, and continued investment in community projects in BC. With millions of tires successfully collected and repurposed into valuable products, TSBC continues to drive responsible recycling and environmental stewardship.

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