From waste to resource
How OCH’s tire recycling program is driving sustainability and cutting costs
By: Ottawa Community Housing
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) weaves sustainability into the fabric of how we serve our communities. One standout example of this commitment is our long-running tire recycling program, which has kept over 16,000 tires out of landfills since 2012. ETracks, an organization that specializes in tire collection, recently recognized this effort for its contribution to sustainability.
This initiative, led by OCH’s Landscaping Team, provides an easy way for tenants to recycle tires responsibly. Through a partnership with eTracks, we collect and store used tires at no cost to OCH. The tires are then repurposed into materials like playground surfaces, sports fields, and roads.
Why we started recycling tires
“Twelve years ago, OCH saw an opportunity to better support communities. While tenants have ways to dispose household waste, options for tires were less accessible, leading to some being left behind in shared spaces, parking areas and green spaces,” said Gregory Eggleston, OCH’s Landscape Maintenance Coordinator.
“We wanted to offer an option that made it easier for tenants to dispose old tires responsibly while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. That solution came through a partnership with eTracks that addresses both the waste issue and contributes to a circular economy — ensuring that old tires are recycled into new, useful products instead of sitting in landfills or backyards,” said Stéphane Giguère, OCH’s CEO.
How it works
- The OCH Landscaping Team collects tires left in common areas or helps tenants in need of deposal assistance. This ensures the tires don’t remain as waste in the communities.
- Tires are then safely stored at four designated OCH collection points.
- Every one to two months, eTracks picks them up at no cost to OCH.
- Then, the tires are recycled and repurposed into valuable materials such as rubberized surfaces for playgrounds, sports fields, and roads.
This seamless process helps turn waste into valuable resources, contributing to sustainability efforts across multiple industries.
Environmental benefits
The impact of this initiative extends beyond simple waste diversion. A recent study found that reusing and repurposing old tires results in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new materials.
By keeping 1,500+ tires out of landfills every year, OCH is actively:
- Reducing carbon emissions: Recycling tires minimizes the need for new raw materials, cutting down on energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
- Preventing environmental hazards: Dumped tires can trap rainwater, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and posing health risks to communities. They can also leach harmful chemicals into the soil over time.
- Supporting a circular economy: By repurposing used tires, we’re contributing to sustainable resource use and reducing dependency on raw materials.
Did you know?
Since 2011, OCH has reduced its carbon emissions from 36,000 tonnes to 29,000 tonnes. That’s the equivalent of taking 1,512 vehicles off the road.
A model for other housing providers
Initiatives like the tire recycling program reflect OCH’s commitment to its strategic priorities. By partnering with eTracks, we’re strengthening our focus on fostering partnerships that empower and support our communities.
The program also improves the tenant experience by providing an accessible, responsible way to keep communities clean.
At the same time, this initiative aligns with OCH’s ECO2 Plan to be a leader in sustainable housing practices.
By integrating waste reduction strategies into our operations, we are improving the communities we serve and also setting a standard for other housing providers looking to implement cost-effective sustainability programs.
What’s next?
OCH is excited to build on this success and explore new ways to make our communities even greener. Every day, we put sustainability into action.
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