Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) reports about the adventures of its partners in the field of end-of-life tire recycling in British Columbia.

According to TSBC, Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF) and Let’s Talk Trash have made remarkable strides in cleaning British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast and surrounding islands, removing large amounts of marine debris, including Styrofoam-filled end-of-life tires, plastic waste, and fishing gear, over the past seven years. Their collaborative efforts not only protect marine ecosystems but also advance recycling innovation.

Styrofoam-filled tires, frequently used for docks, pose significant risks to marine health when the material breaks down. With support from Tire Stewardship BC, OLF uses a specialized guillotine to separate the foam from tires efficiently. The tires are then recycled by Liberty Tire Recycling, while Styrofoam is diverted to other sustainable uses.

OLF operates the only facility in North America capable of transforming challenging marine debris, such as ropes and nets, into reusable plastic pellets. Provincial funding has also enabled Let’s Talk Trash to expand its cleanup operations, removing tens of thousands of kilograms of waste annually. These efforts exemplify how partnerships and innovation can turn marine waste into valuable resources, fostering a circular economy in BC.

Read the full story at The Tyee or TSBC.