In 2024, Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC), partnered with Liberty Tire and organized 20 tire collection events across BC. As a result of these events there were 14,221 orphan tires successfully collected. Also, this monumental achievement was made possible by collaborating with community groups, regional districts, municipalities, and Return to Retailer locations (R2Rs).
Orphan Tires are defined as old, unused tires that individuals have collected and failed to dispose of properly when purchasing new ones. TSBC has a province wide initiative which provides free disposal for all tire sizes, both on and off rim, for residential quantities, to promote responsible tire recycling. In addition, this provides consumers with options to properly dispose of their old tires.
The main focus of tire collection events was to highlight and raise awareness about the importance of properly disposing of scrap tires. When tires are properly disposed, it helps reduce fire risks during the fire season and prevents the accumulation of rainwater which can breed mosquitos. More importantly, when tires are disposed properly, it supports the circular economy by ensuring tires are responsibly recycled.
Liberty Tire supported TSBC in this initiative and all of the tires collected were processed through BC’s tire recycling program. This meant, the tires were transported to Liberty Tire’s recycling facility in Delta, BC, and this is where the tires were converted into crumb rubber and landscaping mulch. For example, local manufacturers, such as North West Rubber, then used the crumb rubber to create products like, truck bed liners, farm animal mats, and durable rubber tiles.
Collaborative efforts not only ensure the responsible recycling of scrap tires but it provides support in the creation of recycled products across industries, contributing to a circular economy in BC.
To elaborate on the tire collection process, I interviewed Operations Manager Joe Pitre from Liberty Tire. When discussing the tire collection model and how it is implemented by Liberty Tire, we were provided with very interesting information. Liberty Tire has a fleet of tractors and trailers. It consists of 53 foot dry vans, 28 foot dry vans and roll off trucks which facilitate tire pickup throughout the province of BC. Dry vans are defined as a type of semi-truck trailer that is fully enclosed to protect your shipment from the elements. For tire collection within the lower mainland, the company has a small fleet of hired haulers that utilize smaller caged trucks and cubed vans, to get into smaller locations like new car dealerships. Liberty Tire has seven company trucks, six contract trucks and seven haulers which service the entire province of BC. Moreover, the haulers are as big as five to six trucks per hauler, or small haulers which consist of one to two trucks and they do majority of the collection in the lower mainland. The haulers are an instrumental component of Liberty Tire. Many have been in collection for decades, even before the program started with some second and third generation haulers from the same families. As such the haulers have been a crucial part in the success of the company helping build the business and providing the best customer service. Altogether, the company collected over 60,000 metric tons of tires last year.
When we look at the number of locations Liberty Tire services in BC, the numbers are split up between retailers and generators. Retailers are defined as customers who sell tires such as Kal Tire or Fountain Tire. There are approximately 2400 retailers which Liberty Tire services.
Generators are companies that acquire used tires such as landfills, auto wreckers, or other recycling facilities. There are approximately 1700 generators which Liberty Tire services.
For having scrap tires picked up, it is a process and there are requirements that need to be met. Any retailer or generator can qualify for a free pickup within the TSBC’s tire recycling program. The criteria they must meet is, they need to be registered with TSBC and there is no cost associated with it. In addition, the tires must fall in the best and underspecified program material, and TSBC is called a schedule A.
When we look at Liberty Tire and what makes their BC model work and the challenges they face on a day to day basis, we need to look at the overall concept. The company believes in their hard working employees and their trusted vendors that make their BC model work.
We had the opportunity to speak with Harpreet Dhaliwal who is an employee of Liberty Tire since September 2009. He began his career at Liberty by hand loading tires onto a belt to feed the tire shredder. In the beginning years, he worked a variety of jobs throughout the plant. After three years with the company, Harpreet went out and obtained his Class 1 drivers license. Harpreet has been a model of consistency during his 16 year career with Liberty, he brings a positive attitude with him daily that translates through his work and to his coworkers.
Liberty Tire services every part of BC as well as Yukon and North West Territories. The company sends collectors to the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Kootenays, and Haida Gwaii to service the smaller communities. This illustrates the company is everywhere and have a network in place to load scrap tires across BC. Moreover, the company has partners in smaller areas that will collect the tires and hang onto them until they have the minimum 50 tires requirement for a pick up. Liberty has the best people in the business as far as rubber recycling is concerned.
All of Liberty Tire’s services work together seamlessly to create a greener tomorrow. Combined with the ingenuity, determination and passion from their hardworking employees, they help their partners gain competitive advantages and solve problems. The services provided are not only beneficial for the environment but provide opportunities for the company to add value for their consumers.
