Earlier this week, the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) celebrated the recycling of the 25 millionth scrap tire in the province of Ontario since the program’s inception.
Ontario Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson (and Perth-Wellington MPP), congratulated Ontario Tire Stewardship on reaching a milestone.
“I commend them for the environmental progress they have achieved through this successful program. Diverting tires from landfills not only helps the environment it also creates new jobs for Ontarians.”
In order to launch the program successfully, a variety of stakeholders were brought together including tire retailers, haulers, processors, collectors and recycled product manufacturers.
That marker brings OTS even closer to its ultimate goal of recycling 100 per cent of all tires in Ontario.
Before the launch of the used tires program, millions of them were illegally dumped throughout the province and thrown into landfills.
In addition, many were shipped out of Ontario where they were used for fuel.
Since 2009, over 125,000 tonnes of tires have been recycled in Ontario and made into a range of innovative tire derived products.
“OTS has made it a priority to invest in a more sustainable Ontario, and we’ve had great success in reducing tire waste across the province,” said executive director Andrew Horsman.
“We have reached the 25 millionth tire far ahead of schedule. This milestone is a great coup for our dedicated staff, stakeholders and communities across Ontario, and it is a great indicator of our future success.”
Not only has OTS significantly reduced tire waste in Ontario, it has also fostered change in the province’s tire recycling industry, creating opportunities for new and existing Ontario-based businesses and giving Ontario’s economy an overall boost.
The first year of the program alone saw a $23-million investment in the Ontario tire recycling industry.
A new video portraying the life cycle of a tire was launched to demonstrate what happens to tires once they reach the end of their serviceable life. It shows tires being worked into new products including rubber mulch for landscaping and playground surfaces, rubber pavers for walkways, roof shingles, and athletic surfacing, among others.
Because of Ontario Tire Stewardship, the 12 million tires sold each year in Ontario will eventually be recycled and reused.
For more information about Ontario Tire Stewardship visit www.GreenMyTires.ca, or for a list of registered processors and product manufacturers call 416-969-2717.
Established in 2009, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) is an Industry Funding Organization (IFO) incorporated under Ontario’s Waste Diversion Act, to implement and operate the used tires program.
