Collection events for used tires are now being held in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, offering free drop-offs for residential quantities only. Tire Stewardship BC states that over 90% of tires in the province are recycled, and every tire can be turned into something new, such as flooring, mulch, playground surfaces, or truck-bed liners. The first drop-off event will take place in Grand Forks, followed by events in Kamloops and Kelowna. Most tires have a disposal fee of around $6.50, which is used exclusively for recycling and program activities.
In Grand Forks on May 4, Integra Tires will host the first drop-off event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The next events will be in Kamloops on May 11 and Kelowna on May 25. Other Southern Interior communities, such as Vernon and Osoyoos, will also be hosting collection events throughout the year. One example of tire recycling in action is in Osoyoos, where a rubber surface made from 165 recycled tires was recently installed at a playground to make it more accessible for all children.
The importance of tire recycling is highlighted by the positive impact it can have on communities, such as creating safer and more inclusive playgrounds. In Osoyoos, the new rubber surface at Lions Park was supported by a community grant in 2023 and has made playground equipment more accessible to all children. Parent Leanne Scott emphasized the importance of such initiatives for children who may otherwise be unable to enjoy playgrounds like their peers.
Tire Stewardship BC encourages drivers to return their old tires to retailers when purchasing new ones, but also provides opportunities for drop-off events for smaller quantities of tires. Recycling tires not only helps reduce waste in landfills but also benefits the environment by allowing the materials to be repurposed into new products like flooring and mulch. The disposal fee for tires is used for recycling activities and programs to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
For more information about Tire Stewardship BC and upcoming collection events, residents can visit the organization’s website. By participating in these events and properly recycling their old tires, individuals can contribute to the circular economy and help create a more sustainable future. The tire recycling program not only benefits the environment but also supports community initiatives, like the accessible playground surfaces in Osoyoos, that improve the quality of life for residents in the Southern Interior region of British Columbia.
