The Recycled Rubber Coalition has officially introduced the Better Play Initiative (BPI) — a nationwide public education campaign dedicated to providing community leaders with trusted, science-based information on the safety, reliability, and durability of surfaces made from crumb rubber and other recycled rubber products.
Each year, recycled rubber applications help divert over 220 million end-of-life tires from landfills, transforming waste into valuable, sustainable materials for parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also offer a cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to traditional grass or synthetic surfaces.
According to Stratton Kirton, Vice President of Government Affairs at Liberty Tire Recycling, a key member of the coalition, “The Better Play Initiative will empower state and community leaders to make informed, responsible decisions about the safety and accessibility of public recreation spaces.” Scott Gerber, Program Director of the BPI, added, “Recycled rubber provides safe, accessible, and responsible spaces for communities, strengthening public health and well-being.”
Over decades, numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies and governmental assessments have consistently concluded that recycled rubber surfaces pose no significant health risks. Leading institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have all verified that recycled rubber is safe for public use. Similarly, research by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Netherlands) found health risks to be “virtually negligible.”
Despite scientific evidence, misinformation about recycled rubber continues to circulate. The Better Play Initiative aims to counter these myths by providing open access to credible data and real-world examples of communities that have safely used recycled rubber for decades.
Beyond safety, recycled rubber offers significant economic and performance benefits: studies show a 75% reduction in maintenance costs, up to 2,300 hours of annual field use compared to 300 hours for grass, and a 400–500% longer lifespan than traditional materials.
As sustainability becomes a global priority, the Better Play Initiative stands as a powerful reminder that recycled rubber products combine safety, durability, and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a greener and more inclusive future for playgrounds and sports facilities worldwide.
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