Rubber Wheel Stop Could Replace Millions of Concrete Wheel Stops in Parking Lots Across the Country: Product among 47 inventions that received awards in statewide competition to reuse waste tires

SACRAMENTO—California has moved another step closer to eliminating tire waste from rolling into the state's landfills. In a statewide Tire-Derived Building and Landscape Product Design competition sponsored by the California State Fair and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), more than 40 recycled tire product inventors received medals for their entries.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of this competition," says Rosario Marin, Chair of the California Integrated Waste Management Board. "Californians generate an estimated 39 million waste tires each year. Our goal through this competition was simple—find new and innovative ways to put all of these old tires back to work. Through this competition, we drew upon the ingenuity of our citizenry, and as a result, we are closer to reaching our goal."

The California State Fair received more than 90 entries for the competition, drawn from around the state. The entries were judged by four industry experts. The top honor was awarded to West Coast Rubber Recycling, a Gilroy company, for their Rubber Wheel Stop entry. For this winning entry, West Coast Rubber Recycling will receive the Best of Show award and will be assisted by the CIWMB in marketing their new product to the recycling industry. The Rubber Wheel Stop could replace millions of concrete wheel stops now used in parking lots throughout the country.

Participants competed in nine categories with top honors receiving the Best of Show award. The nine categories are Best New Household Product, Best New Residential Building Construction Product, Best New Commercial Building/Construction Product, Best New Landscape Product, Best New "California Beach" Application: Playground/Playscape Environments, and Best New Environmental Management Systems in Coastal Areas.

"As a proud California company, we are truly humbled and honored that State of California has recognized our efforts to create innovative tire-derived recycled products," said Cameron Wright, President of West Coast Rubber Recycling. "While we deliver on the promise of our Rubber Wheel Stop, we will continue to focus on developing new solutions that divert even more tires from the waste stream."

All award winners will receive assistance in marketing their products from the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Winning entries will be showcased and promoted at the 2005 California State Fair August 12-September 5, 2005. The winners are also listed on the California State Fair website, the CIWMB's green building website, It's Good For California web site, and in industry magazines.

"Recycling has become an increasing concern among Californians. With more than 1 million visitors, the California State Fair is an ideal venue to host this competition," said Mike Bradley, Chief, Bureau of Exhibits, California State Exposition and Fair. "This competition is about innovation and education, and everyone who visits the state fair will learn a little more about the importance of recycling."

Top 2005 Award Winners

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the State's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes a zero waste California in partnership with local government, industry, and the public.  This means reducing waste whenever possible, promoting the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

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