California Awards Tire Grants

Thousands of waste tires that might have ended up in landfills or illegally dumped by the wayside will be productively reused and recycled into playground mats and athletic track surfaces around the state, thanks to $1.6 million in grants awarded by the California Integrated Waste Management Board in mid-April.

"Safe, accessible playgrounds and tracks are a must for our children and putting recycled rubber from old tires to use in new mats and athletic surfacing is an ideal way to protect both families and the environment," Board Chair Rosario Marin says. "It is a pleasure to be able to assist local cities and schools with these important renovation projects."

The projects will benefit students and the public while diverting tons of waste tires from landfills and illegal stockpiles. Funded through the Board’s Waste Tire Track and Other Recreational Surfacing Grant Program, the projects are one component of the agency’s five-year tire plan to reduce California’s waste tire problem.

Using old, ground-up tires for playground mats and track and athletic field resurfacing provides a more pliable, longer-lasting surface that can reduce injuries.

Approved allocations include:

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: Waste Tire Playground Cover Grants
 

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: Waste Tire Track & Recreational Surfacing Grants
 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Waste Tire Playground Cover Grants
 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Waste Tire Track & Recreational Surfacing Grants
 

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the State’s leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes zero waste in partnership with local government, industry and the public. 

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).