Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC)

Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) is the provincially designated, not-for-profit stewardship agency responsible for operating British Columbia’s scrap tire recycling program under the Recycling Regulation. It works with tire retailers, haulers, scrap tire generators, processors and manufacturers to ensure that used tires are collected across the province, processed into crumb rubber and other materials, and transformed into new products and infrastructure.

Beyond managing end-of-life tires, TSBC actively reinvests program revenues into communities. The flagship TSBC Community Grant Program provides financial support to eligible organizations that incorporate BC-made recycled tire products into fully public, wheelchair-accessible projects. Examples highlighted on the site include playgrounds, splash pads, running tracks, fitness areas, arenas and other public spaces, with over $6 million in community grants awarded to date.

The TSBC Community Grant Program is open to a wide range of applicants within British Columbia, such as municipalities, registered non-profit organizations, community groups, schools, colleges and universities, as well as First Nations and Métis settlements. Projects must use products manufactured in BC from locally recycled tires and are evaluated for their public benefit, accessibility, safety, durability and contribution to environmental stewardship and the circular economy.

TSBC publishes annual calls for applications, with clearly stated deadlines, online application forms and guidance documents. Resources made available include a program overview and application requirements, a detailed application form for reference, fact sheets, examples of acceptable recognition signage and Q&A material for rubber surfacing installers and suppliers. News posts further summarize yearly highlights, numbers of projects funded and upcoming application windows.

In addition to community grants, TSBC manages financial flows within the stewardship system, including advance disposal fees (ADFs) remitted by retailers and incentive structures for transporters, processors and manufacturers. Participant resources on the website provide program policies, remittance guidelines, registration forms and access to a claims portal for incentive claims. These tools help ensure that the economic side of the recycling chain functions efficiently and remains compliant with provincial requirements.

TSBC operates under ministry-approved stewardship plans that are renewed periodically and publishes annual reports to the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, which are also available to the public. A board of directors and an advisory committee representing affected sectors provide oversight and feedback on program policy, operations and stewardship plan updates, reinforcing accountability and continuous improvement.

Through its funding and stewardship activities, Tire Stewardship BC helps convert tens of thousands of tonnes of scrap tires each year into safe, durable and accessible infrastructure across BC. Community grant recipients have upgraded water parks, multi-use trails, playgrounds, arenas and fitness areas using recycled rubber surfaces that improve safety and accessibility while reducing maintenance needs. TSBC also partners with initiatives such as First Nations recycling programs and local education projects to expand tire collection, raise ecological awareness and demonstrate the long-term value of recycling in communities province-wide.