A Delta-based recycling company kicked off Canada’s 20th annual Waste Reduction Week Monday by celebrating the 100-millionth tire to be processed at its Annacis Island facility.
Western Rubber Products (WRP), a division of Liberty Tire Recycling, recycles more than five million tires annually and repurposes them into new and diverse consumer products to contribute to Canada’s circular economy.
Working under Tire Stewardship B.C. and in compliance with the B.C. Recycling Regulation, WRP is the largest recycler of scrap tires in the province, ranging from passenger vehicle to mining truck tires.
“We started this company in 1989 with three individuals. Over the innovation, the drive and working with many partners, today we have 120 full-time positions,” said Neil Bansal, WRP’s Regional Vice-President. “A couple of decades ago, waste was quite substantial in the province, however over time, we can honestly say we actually are recycling 99.9 percent of the tires in B.C. that are currently being discarded.
“We service every community, regardless of where it is located and we are mandated to service every customer having 50 or more tires for recycling. It is quite a challenge, but we have a great team of people and we do it safely every day and efficiently as humanely possible. We keep all these tires away from the landfill.”
Recycled products, like decorated mulch, are in high demand and different grades of ‘crumb rubber’ are used in the production of residential and industrial rubber mats, athletic surfaces, landscaping and a wide range of other applications where durability is paramount.
“Innovation is at the forefront of WRP as it invests in cutting edge products for repurposed tires and supports the equipment required to get each done,” said Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “It’s that kind of forward thinking that has led to it celebrating 100 million tires as part of Waste Reduction Week. This type of initiative leads to a cleaner province and more opportunities for everyone.”
Since 2014, WRP has invested $14 million to acquire specialized equipment which contributes to increase safety at the facility and shredding effectiveness of the tires.
Monday’s celebration included representatives from a number of partners, including North West Rubber, Marathon Surfaces and Astro Turf West that all use WRP materials for their products. Delta Mayor George Harvie was also on hand for the event.
“We are proud to have a legacy company like Western Rubber Products operating in Delta. WRP’s successful waste reduction model and sustainable practices helps us work towards a zero-waste economy,” said Harvie.
Bansal added there is no concern of WRP facility ever being overwhelmed with tires since it has the capacity to process more than seven million annually.
