Tire recycling in BC is about more than keeping old tires out of landfills and illegal dumping sites. It’s also about creating jobs, supporting local manufacturing, and investing in the communities where we live, work and play.

As part of our “35 Years, 35 Facts” series, we’re looking at the many ways Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) helps build a circular economy in BC.

Turning Old Tires Into New Products

For 35 years, BC’s tire recycling program has helped create a circular economy where used tires are collected, processed and transformed into new products.

Related: 4 Innovative Products Made In BC From Recycled Tire Rubber

Instead of becoming waste, recycled BC tires can become useful materials for products made right here in the province. Recycled tire rubber is used in everything from playground surfacing and walking paths to fitness tracks and other community spaces.

It’s a simple idea with a big impact: keep materials in use for as long as possible, rather than sending them to the landfill.

Supporting BC Jobs and Local Manufacturing

A circular economy is also about creating local economic opportunities.

From collecting and transporting used tires to processing and manufacturing recycled tire products, tire recycling supports a network of businesses and workers across BC. The result is a local manufacturing ecosystem that helps keep materials—and the economic benefits they create—moving through the province.

Investing in BC Communities

The impact of tire recycling can also be seen in communities across the province through the TSBC Community Grant Program.

Since the program began, TSBC has invested more than $6.8 million in 371 projects across 96 BC communities. The grants help organizations use BC-made recycled tire products to create public, wheelchair-accessible spaces, including playgrounds, recreation areas, walking paths and fitness facilities.

In 2026 alone, 11 projects were selected for funding, with nearly 18,000 recycled BC tires being repurposed into new community spaces. The projects include 10 playgrounds and one community centre, creating places where people of all ages and abilities can play, gather and stay active together.

What Can an Old Tire Become?

This is what a circular economy in BC can look like in action, an old tire collected for recycling can be processed, transformed into a new product and eventually return to a BC community as part of a space designed to bring people together.

After 35 years, the story of tire recycling in BC is about more than where an old tire ends up. It’s about what that tire can become, and the jobs, businesses and community spaces that can grow from it.

That’s the local impact of 35 years of tire recycling: creating value from old tires while helping build a more circular BC.

Do you have tires to recycle? Find a tire recycling location near you by clicking on the image below.