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Recovered Material Markets: Scrap Rubber Used as Playground Cover

SUMMARY

Lillie E. Suder Elementary School, located in Jonesboro, GA, is using pellets made from recycled rubber as groundcover for the school's recreation areas.

BACKGROUND

A donation of new playground equipment to Suder Elementary by the school's PTA prompted the need for a safe, functional, esthetically pleasing playground cover to complete the project. The PTA worked with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia to arrange a donation of Cushion Turf ™, a ground cover made from recycled rubber developed by United Rubber Recycling.

RESULTS

A six-inch layer of multicolored rubber pellets was installed in the school's recreation areas, covering 2,700 square feet of ground. The pellets are made from scrap material originally destined to be disposed of in a landfill. Sources of the scrap rubber include shoe and gasket manufacturers in Georgia.

The pellets are four times heavier than wood mulches, and do not deteriorate or wash away like wood mulch or sand. In addition, the pellets are shock absorbent, water permeable, and have proven to be a factor in reducing playground injuries at facilities where they have been installed. As a result of this project, 36,582 pounds of scrap rubber were diverted from landfill disposal.

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