Scrap tires get new lease on life in BC playgrounds
We are pleased to share an insightful video about the tire recycling process in British Columbia, originally published by Global News on June 21, 2024.
Before used tires from millions of road users in BC reach the end of their life, Tire Stewardship BC collects them across the province. Every tire is transported to the processing plant in Delta, BC. This local initiative has prevented tons of rubber from ending up in landfills since 1991, managing the recycling of about 5.5 million car tire equivalents each year.
At the processing plant, all tires are broken down, and every component—rubber, fibre, and steel—is utilized. Metals are melted into construction materials, and fibres are used as fuel. In partnership with Liberty Tire, Tire Stewardship BC has recycled over 115 million tires to date, and it is the oldest recycling program in Canada.
“Millions of tires are scrapped each year in BC but one program aims to reduce that waste. As John Hua reports, some of that rubber is finding a new life as running tracks or arena flooring, and is also making safer playgrounds for the youngest British Columbians.”
Related: Eight New TSBC Community Grant Program Recipients Announced For 2024
The TSBC Community Grant Program supports municipalities, registered non-profit community groups or organizations, schools, and First Nations and Métis settlements that are building or upgrading their facilities utilizing recycled tire products. To date, TSBC has given out over $6 million dollars in community grants, funding 340+ projects.
Pour-in-place rubber surfacing is a desirable surface material for enhancing playgrounds. Rubber surfacing increases the accessibility of playgrounds and makes them more inclusive for people of all ages and all abilities. For example, if a child is in a wheelchair, pea gravel or other surfaces can be challenging to navigate. Rubber surfacing ensures children and adults of all abilities can participate, and everyone in the community benefits.
