Tire Stewardship BC, First Nations Recycling Initiative & You

Tire Stewardship BC and BC First Nations Recycling Initiative have come together to create The TSBC Community Grant Program.

Tires are a fantastic material for construction. Scrap tire shreds can replace other construction materials that would have t Scrap tires may be used as a lightweight backfill in gas venting systems, in leachate collection systems, and in operational liners. They may also be used in landfill capping and closures, and as a material for daily cover.Using recycled rubber in a variety of products has become a popular choice for reasons such as safety and accessibility and in many cases, it replaces a less environmentally friendly alternative.

For the most part, there is a concerted effort to close down landfills in First Nations communities and move towards a transfer station model. Tire Stewardship BC has been helpful in supporting that work (an example of this is the Nisga’a Landfill’s on-going removal of 6000+ tires). What would be helpful is for First Nations communities to be able to access to the rubber matting product that is a result of these tire collections.

The TSBC Community Grant Program promotes the use and benefit of recycled tire products, and, we can provide financial support to communities that have decided to use recycled tire products for their projects. Over $6 million dollars in community grants have been given out to date, including Skin Tyee Band, Adam’s Lake Band, Skeetchestn Band, Cowichan Tribes and the Laichwiltach Family Life Society.

Applications have closed for 2024, however, once they reopen again in 2025, IZWTAG will be proud to assist communities in their applications for this opportunity. The grant program typically opens in January and applications take about 4 to 6 weeks to be evaluated. More information can be found here: https://tsbc.ca/community-events-programs/the-tsbc-community-grant-program/.

Kal Tire also runs a very similar grant program at the same time, so this is another option. Their grant program information can be found here:  https://www.kaltire.com/en/replay/. Kal’s RePlay Fund is open to all non-profits, municipalities, First Nations and school boards that are improving community infrastructure with recycled rubber products. Applications are now closed until the first week of January, 2025.