Many people think tire recycling is just an environmental issue, but in BC it also feeds into community infrastructure and social inclusion. When tires are recycled, they’re turned into new and useful products–many of which are made and sold right here in BC. Through the TSBC Community Grant Program, those same recycled materials are also used to make projects possible that go beyond waste reduction, creating more accessible, inclusive public spaces in communities across BC.

That connection feels especially meaningful during National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), which takes place from May 31 to June 6, 2026. This annual event highlights ongoing efforts to remove barriers and build a more inclusive society in Canada. It’s also a timely reminder that accessibility is about creating inclusivity in the places we live, work, and gather, through thoughtful design.

What is the TSBC Community Grant Program?

Through the TSBC Community Grant Program, funding is provided to community projects that use recycled tire products made right here in BC from BC-collected tires, helping turn something once discarded into something that improves public spaces.

The program is open to a wide range of not-for-profit organizations across the province, including municipalities, community groups, schools and post-secondary institutions, and First Nations and Métis settlements. The key requirement is that projects use recycled tire materials like rubber tile surfacing or poured-in-place surfaces, and that the finished space is fully public and wheelchair accessible. Projects include things like playgrounds, water parks, fitness areas, walking paths, and running tracks–community spaces designed for everyday use, where durability and accessibility really matter.

Since it first began in 2009, the TSBC Grant Program has issued over $6.74 million in community grants, funding 371 projects in 97 communities across BC.

Related: More Than Playgrounds: Past Projects Funded by the TSBC Community Grant Program

How do recycled tires help make spaces more accessible?

When old tires are returned for recycling, many are turned into rubber surfacing for community spaces. Because the material is made from BC tires and supplied locally, it’s a simple way to keep things circular while building something people actually use.

The result is a surface that’s smooth, durable, and low maintenance, which makes a big difference for people using wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility aids compared to loose materials like woodchips. It’s also safer and helps reduce injuries, especially in high-traffic areas like playgrounds and walkways. Rubber surfacing is designed to let water flow through, and it holds up well over time, which is why it works so well in everything from parks to water play areas. At the end of the day, it’s an easy material choice that helps make public spaces feel more usable and welcoming for everyone.

Compared to wood chips or pea gravel, recycled rubber makes playgrounds more accessible and easier for everyone to use, including people with mobility challenges. It creates a smooth, stable surface that meets CSA safety standards, and it’s easier to maintain over time since it doesn’t blow away or fade like traditional mulch. It also has environmental upsides, like reducing the need for water and pesticides in landscaping.

How can I recycle my tires in BC?

Recycling your tires is easier than you think, and it’s free to do–no purchase necessary. First, make sure your tires are clean and off the rims. If you need new tires, you can return your old ones at the tire shop. And you don’t need new tires, you can drop off your old ones anytime at a registered location in your area. You can find a tire recycling location near you here.

We also host several tire collection events across the province. Find a full list of dates and locations on our events page. Together, we can keep tires out of landfills, and create more inclusive spaces in communities across the province just by choosing to recycle.