The Case for Tire Recycling: Building a Greener Ontario

Globally, over 1 billion tires are discarded annually, creating a serious environmental challenge. Recycling tires in Ontario is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation. Each year, over 12 million new tires are sold in the province, contributing significantly to potential waste [RPRA]. To address this, Ontario implemented the Tire Regulation under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act in 2019, making producers responsible for the collection and recycling of used tires [Global Measure]. This initiative has been effective; for instance, in 2020, approximately 432,522 tones of tires were diverted from the waste stream and recycled into valuable products across Canada [Catra Online]. Despite these efforts, a 2020 survey revealed that only 37% of Ontarians are aware that tires are recycled in the province, highlighting the need for increased public awareness [Ipsos]. By recycling tires, we reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support the creation of sustainable products, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Ontario.