BuyBlackGoGreen

Most BC citizens do not know what happens to their tires when they leave them at the shop and drive away on four brand new ones. This is largely due in part to the program’s success in collecting and recycling tires. The tires are kept out of the environment, so, out of sight-out of mind. However, what does happen to the tires is definitely a story worth telling.

Quickly, let’s share an overview of what happens to the scrap tires when they are left for disposal at the retailer or landfill. The scrap tires are collected and transported to a recycler in Delta or Chemainus. The majority are transported to Western Rubber Products in Delta where they are processed into a product called crumb that are small granules of rubber free of steel and fibre. The crumb is then shipped to various markets throughout North America.

TSBC’s vision is to have all of the recycled rubber manufactured into products here in BC. This is where we need your help. What we have found in our conversations with schools, municipalities, and the public is that most are unaware of:

1. The range of products available using recycled rubber ;
2. The benefits of using recycled rubber; and
3. The products that are produced and available right here in BC.

First, what are the range of products and common uses for crumb rubber?

• Infill for artificial grass sports fields – many communities are switching from natural grass to artificial turf and using crumb rubber as infill to replace the traditional sand and grass turf.
• Playground safety surfacing – many communities are moving from the traditional pea gravel and wood chips to recycled rubber surfaces, either pour-in-place or tile applications.
• Recreational flooring – examples of this type of flooring can be found in ice skating arenas, fitness rooms and high traffic areas.
• Coloured landscaping mulch – this is a new product being made in BC that is becoming popular across North America as a replacement for wood much and chips.

Next let’s review the many benefits of using recycled rubber vs. other materials:

• Accessibility – for playgrounds the traditional surfacing of wood chips or pea gravel limits access for those with physical disabilities. Using recycled rubber pour-in-place or tiled surfaces, your playground now becomes fully accessible allowing people of all ages and abilities to participate fully and experience the joy of physical activity and play. For sports fields the use of artificial turf means it is now an all weather field increasing the use of the field for all types of play.
• Safety – fall height standards are set by CSA for playground surfaces to reduce the risk of personal injury due to falls from playground equipment. Rubber pour-in-place and tile surfaces are typically designed to meet or exceed CSA standards.
• Maintenance – in the case of mulch for landscaping, maintenance is reduced as colored rubber mulch, unlike wood chips, will not fade or blow away. Artificial turf does not require watering, re-seeding or fertilizing.
• Environmental – reduced water consumption and pesticide usage are key benefits of using recycled rubber in fields and in landscaping

So having now convinced you that the use of recycled rubber in your projects is well worth considering, let us talk to you about acquiring these products locally. All the rubber you need for these types of projects is available right here in BC. Sourcing locally makes sense for all sorts of reasons:

• Reduces your carbon footprint by avoiding GHG emissions in transportation and new production
• Supports local recycling
• Creates jobs locally
• Aligns with the government’s green procurement policy
• May qualify for LEEDS credits
• May qualify for a Community Demonstration Grant from Tire Stewardship BC

Assuming this last bullet has grabbed your attention, we should explain more about this program. The Community Demonstration Grant Program was first launched by TSBC in 2009 and we are pleased to offer it again in 2010. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organizations in BC including municipalities and schools that use BC recycled rubber in their projects. The grants are provided on a “matching funds” basis where the applicant must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the grant requested, to a maximum of $20,000. More information on the program and the application form is available in the News Corner section of our web site. The deadline for applications is June 11, 2010 and projects must be completed by December 31 2011.