The provincial government joined Recycle NB and other partners for the launch of a new bicycle tire and tube recycling program.

“This initiative is an excellent and innovative way to recycle materials and divert waste from our landfills,” said Environment and Local Government Serge Rousselle. “This is one more way we are collaborating to protect the environment, embrace a greener economy and create jobs.”

To start the program, Recycle NB teamed up with the Canadian Independent Bicycle Retailers Association, bike shops, tire retailers, and Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corp.

“Instead of old bike tires and tubes going to landfills, we wanted to give cyclists the chance to recycle them,” said Recycle NB CEO Pat McCarthy. “Thanks to the support of our partners, this new program makes recycling easy.”

McCarthy said there is no cost for the pilot program for cyclists or for bike shops. Collectors under the tire-recycling program will pick up the tires and tubes as part of their routine tire collections. Bike shops will collect and bundle the old tires and tubes and take them to their local tire retailer for collection. Local cycling clubs will let their members know about the new program.

“Independent bicycle retailers and their customers are excited to participate in the tire and tube recycle program and congratulate the provincial government on the initiative,” said Bill Yetman of the Canadian Independent Bicycle Retailers Association.

Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corp.’s manufacturing plant, located in Minto, will use the tires and tubes in the production of cattle mattresses and crumb rubber for use in the manufacture of a variety of rubber products.

“We are enthusiastic about this program and we are working to make it a success and to provide our customers with a service that helps to protect the environment,” said Matt Savage, owner of Savage’s Bicycle Center, in Fredericton.

The Canadian Independent Bicycle Retailers Association is the voice of the country’s bicycle retail industry and its steward.

Recycle NB oversees the recycling of waste tires, paint, electronics, oil and glycol in the province.

A list of the participating bicycle shops, as well as information on Recycle NB and its programs, is available online.