Tire Stewardship BC ("TSBC"), a not-for-profit group dedicated to the collection and recycling of scrap tires in British Columbia, is celebrating that their scrap tire program has been recycling tires for over 30 years. Since the scrap tire recycling program was first established in B.C. in 1991, over 100 million tires have been recycled in the province.
Due to 30th anniversary celebrations being postponed last year because of the pandemic, TSBC will be celebrating throughout 2022 by partnering with BC-wide organizations and events that focus on recycling and environmental sustainability. In addition, several community tire collection events are scheduled across the province throughout the year.
"Tire Stewardship BC and all our dedicated tire processors, haulers, and retailers across the province have worked extremely hard over the years to create an effective and efficient tire recycling program, and as a result, it has grown into the most successful recycling program in North America. Every year in B.C. the equivalent of more than five million scrap vehicle tires are recycled into new, durable, and environmentally friendly products, with 100 percent all scrap tires collected re-purposed within the province," said Rosemary Sutton, Tire Stewardship BC executive director. "In celebration of TSBC's 30th anniversary, we are excited to be partnering with passionate and innovative community organizations that are creating unique events that help to educate British Columbians on tire recycling and environmental sustainability."
TSBC will also provide grants to B.C. organizations that are planning to use recycled tire products in their community developments throughout the year. Grants go towards a variety of projects including rubber surfacing for playgrounds, water parks, fitness areas, walkways, running tracks, and playing fields. Municipalities, registered non-profit community groups, or organizations, schools, and First Nations and Métis settlements can apply for grants until March 17, 2022.