CalRecycle Awards Grants to Pave Roads with Recycled Tires

SACRAMENTO--The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) awarded more than $8.1 million for road projects that will put about 1.2 million waste tires to new use.

California generates more than 40 million waste tires each year, and about 11 million of those end up in landfills or illegally dumped.  "California’s old tires are too valuable to waste," said CalRecycle Acting Director Mark Leary.  “CalRecycle is pleased to give the Rubberized Asphalt Concrete grants to help communities keep thousands of tires out of landfills, while improving the quality of roads.”

Rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) combines ground tire rubber with asphalt binder and other aggregates.  RAC can last twice as long as traditional road surface, has better traction, and is quieter.  By promoting RAC and the use of other tire-derived products, CalRecycle is advancing the state’s waste tire reduction efforts.  Waste tires pose fire risk when stockpiled and are attractive habitats for rodents and insects.

The RAC Grant Program awarded money in two categories this cycle:  $4.9 million for the Targeted Incentive Grant for applicants with little or no experience using RAC for major road paving; and $3.2 million for Chip Seal Grant aimed at new or repeat users for repair and maintenance.  CalRecycle received 64 applications, and 48 met eligibility requirements.  The next grant cycle will likely occur in fall 2011.

CalRecycle is assisting 16 first-time users with its Targeted grant.  Grant funds cover the difference in cost between RAC pavement and traditional pavement.  Though initially more expensive to use, RAC lasts longer making it more cost effective over time.  CalRecycle also provides technical assistance such as education and training on RAC usage, design, specification, construction, and inspection services.

Funding for the grants comes from the $1.75 recycling fee levied on each new tire sold in California. CalRecycle receives $1.00 of each $1.75 fee, and the remainder is used for tire-related air emission programs.

RAC Grant awards were approved for the eligible applicants listed below.  Recipients marked with an asterisk(*) are first-time RAC users.  Specific project information is available on the grants database:

Table: This table shows Rubberized Asphalt Concrete Grant awards.

Targeted RAC Incentive Grant
City of Agoura Hills (Los Angeles)	$75,600
City of Banning (Riverside)	$250,000
City of Calabasas (Los Angeles)	$71,744
City of Chino Hills (San Bernardino)*	$72,750
City of Chula Vista (San Diego)*	$250,000
City of Concord (Contra Costa)*	$238,500
City of Downey (Los Angeles)*	$250,000
City of Hawthorne (Los Angeles)	$70,000
City of Highland (San Bernardino)*	$250,000
City of La Canada Flintridge (Los Angeles)*	$194,550
City of Oxnard (Ventura)*	$250,000
City of Palmdale (Los Angeles)*	$225,000
City of Palo Alto (Santa Clara)*	$250,000
City of Rancho Palos Verdes (Los Angeles)	$79,200
City of Redlands (San Bernardino)*	$248,375
City of Rialto (San Bernardino)	$220,000
City of San Carlos (San Mateo)*	$70,149
City of San Jacinto (Riverside)*	$180,000
City of Temple City (Los Angeles)	$110,250
City of Tulare (Tulare)*	$237,016
City of Upland (San Bernardino)	$148,034
City of Vista (San Diego)*	$250,000
City of West Covina (Los Angeles)	$68,483
Imperial County	$161,735
San Joaquin County	$117,600
Solano County*	$250,000
Sonoma County	$58,111
Yuba County*	$250,000
Total Grants	$4,897,097

Table:  This table shows Rubberized Asphalt Concrete Chip Seal Grant awards.

RAC Chip Seal Grant
City of Chino Hills (San Bernardino)	$35,639
City of Chula Vista (San Diego)	$250,000
City of Clovis (Fresno)	$150,710
City of Concord (Contra Costa)	$221,000
City of Downey (Los Angeles)	$250,000
City of Fontana (San Bernardino)	$139,387
City of Fort Bragg (Mendocino)	$70,399
City of Grass Valley (Nevada)	$112,000
City of Lathrop (San Joaquin)	$37,689
City of Moorpark (Ventura)	$54,000
City of Mountain View (Santa Clara)	$74,350
City of Needles (San Bernardino)	$88,145
City of Pico Rivera (Los Angeles)	$201,110
City of San Leandro (Alameda)	$81,630
City of Tulare (Tulare)	$238,000
City of Watsonville (Santa Cruz)	$250,000
Contra Costa County	$245,797
Solano County	$250,000
Sonoma County	$250,000
Yuba County	$250,000
Total Grants	$3,249,856

 

CalRecycle is the state's leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse. CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California's vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

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CalRecycle is part of the California Natural Resources Agency.