11,000 DISCARDED TIRES RE-USED TO MAKE FOR QUIETER, LONG-LASTING STREETS IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO

 

SACRAMENTO -The Department of General Services (DGS) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) today announced the completion of an environmentally-friendly street paving project around the Capitol Area East End Complex.  Eleven thousand discarded tires were mixed with asphalt concrete to repave 305,000 square-feet of street along portions of 15th, 16th, 17th, L, M, and N streets in Sacramento.

According to the CIWMB, which provided a $250,000 grant for the project, streets paved with rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) have a longer lifespan compared to using conventional paving materials. Use of RAC also reduces street noise, increases traction, and enhances street markings and striping.

 "This effort represents ways to serve the public, market a recyclable product, and help California address its waste tire surplus," said CIWMB Vice Chair José Medina. "Thanks to the cooperation of the county and city of Sacramento, and the State and Consumer Services Agency, we are happy to showcase this worthwhile project so close to the Capitol where state policymakers can see the benefits of recycled tires."

 

According to the CIWMB, California drivers discard 33 million surplus tires every year. The state currently diverts 75 percent-nearly 25 million tires-from disposal every year, but millions of other used tires are both legally and illegally stockpiled within the state, with sometimes disastrous results.
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During the past decade, major fires have broken out at two used tire stockpiles in the Central Valley, causing severe environmental consequences.

The revenue used for the Sacramento project originated from legislation passed in 1999 that allowed the CIWMB to collect a $1 fee on every new tire sold in the state.  The legislation directed the CIWMB to use its enhanced revenues to pay for waste tire enforcement activities, tire pile cleanup projects, and to market development efforts targeting the petroleum-based products.