The renowned British magazine Tyre & Rubber Recycling, along with its Editor-in-Chief Ewan Scott and publisher David Wilson, hosts a podcast covering key topics and the latest updates in the tire recycling and pyrolysis industries. Through the Tyre Recycling Podcast, Ewan Scott and David Wilson interview key players from the tire recycling and pyrolysis industries around the world. Be sure to subscribe to Tyre & Rubber Recycling magazine to receive updates about their interviews.

In Episode 83, Scott Gerber, Program Director of the Better Play Initiative (BPI), discusses the organisation’s work on the safe and sustainable use of recycled rubber in sports and playground surfaces. He outlines key findings from independent and government studies, including research from the EPA and CalEPA, which have not identified significant health risks associated with crumb rubber infill.

Gerber also highlights the role of containment measures in reducing environmental migration and compares the performance and maintenance needs of artificial turf and natural grass, particularly in wet conditions.

Watch the full episode on Tyre & Rubber Recycling's YouTube:

Scott Gerber, Program Director of the Better Play Initiative (BPI) on Episode 83 of The Tyre Recycling Podcast. | Video by Tyre & Rubber Recycling magazine.

Interview chapters:

  • 00:00 – Introduction to episode #83: Scott Gerber and the Better Play Initiative
  • 01:21 – What is the Better Play Initiative (BPI)?
  • 02:55 – Addressing health concerns: PAH content and safety studies
  • 04:28 – Migration and environmental impact: the role of containment
  • 06:03 – Regulations and containment measures in the US vs UK
  • 08:06 – Leachates and drainage engineering
  • 09:42 – Mitigating heat on artificial turf fields
  • 10:50 – Maintenance and recyclability of artificial turf
  • 12:43 – Rubber mulch: safety and containment in playgrounds
  • 15:17 – Bonded rubber in sports tracks
  • 17:38 – Combating myths and misinformation with science
  • 21:42 – Transparency: who funds the BPI?
  • 22:43 – Conclusion to episode #83

To watch other episodes of Tyre Recycling Podcast, make sure to subscribe for Tyre and Rubber Recycling magazine!