6000 recycled tyres under your feet in Sharjah

As environmental awareness grows, so do recycling trends and the popularity of green products. Recycled paper, plastic and cans are commonly used in our society today. We also have eco-friendly cars, greener light bulbs, bio-degradable plastic and what not. But, have you heard of a running track made of recycled tyres? Yes, we now have a gleaming new running track at Sharjah's recently opened Al Majaz Waterfront Park that is made from 100 per cent recycled tyres. Though tracks made of recycled tyres are common in Europe and the US, it is a first such initiative for the region, made possible by Sharjah's environmental and waste management company Bee'ah. Made of crumb rubber "This is a first such track to be constructed in the entire region. Our crumb rubber technology is both durable, safe and eco-friendly, which makes running a pleasure," Khalid Al Huraimel, CEO of Bee'ah, said, enlisting the benefits of the material used. A total of 6,000 recycled tyres were used to make the 3,000 square metre running track which is open for public use at Sharjah's new landmark family leisure destination. According to Bee'ah, the crumb rubber made from recycled tyres is a better and greener alternative to the synthetic material that is generally used to build tracks. "Crumb rubber is highly durable and resilient and can be applied in various sports surfacing such as jogging tracks, athletic fields and golf courses," he said. Al Huraimel added that it is suited better for the warm and humid climate of the UAE. Cheaper to maintain The track lasts longer than its alternatives, is easy and cheaper to maintain while also having an exclusive drainage system, allowing for rain water to drain easily. "You don't have to wait for water to be removed if it rains of water is spilled on the track. It drains automatically and quickly while also eliminating dirt and mud easily," Al Huraimel added. Good for athletes The crumb rubber track is also non-toxic and latex-free. It also enhances athletic performance and is safer as it minimises impact in case of a fall. Moreover, Al Huraimel emphasised that the process of recycling employed at Bee'ah's state-of-the-art facility reduces carbon emissions. "The main purpose for recycling used tyres is to alleviate the landfill from its large volumes and space, while also promoting a message to re-use and recycle used tyres into a valuable resource." The company also uses an environment-friendly cryogenic process to recycle used tyres into crumb rubber and crumb rubber tiles, thus reducing the amount of harmful carbon emissions during the process. Recently, Bee'ah also built a floor at Al Qasba's playarea using crumb rubber tyres. Around 1,500 tyres were used to build the surface. Bee'ah is also using crumb rubber-blended asphalt to build new roads in Sharjah, as they are cost-effective and long-lasting. Different applications for crumb rubber Crumb rubber and crumb rubber tiles can be used for different applications and flooring products in running tracks, grass-surfaced playing areas, stadium playing areas, miniature golf courses and in artificial turf infill in local schools, parks, athletic facilities and equestrian arenas. Uses Al Qasba children's play area: Recycled used tyres can help make a perfectly safe children's play area. The crumb rubber, which has an output of 4 grades, can be made into any shape or colour depending on its use and application. The cryogenic process employed by the Tyre Recycling Facility uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze the tyres at minus -196 degrees Celsius, which makes tyres brittle and breaks them down like glass, by cracker mills, into crumb granules varying between 0.6mm in size to 4 mm. The average process time is 40 minutes, from the start with a whole tyre to the finished product. The crumb rubber tiles offer many other advantages which include fall prevention — minimises playground injuries; eliminates swallowing and choking hazards; sand, stones, and mulch can hide dangerous objects such as syringes and broken glass. Most of the tracks built today are constructed of rubber, latex and polyurethane. These materials are durable, spongy underfoot and do not wear away like natural tracks such as cinder and clay. Tracks are also made out asphalt mixed with rubber and sand. Currently, as the trend of recycling catches on, more tracks are made of recycled material like tyres, rubber from used shoes, etc. One of the most popular variety synthetic materials used is tartan. It is better than grass or concrete as it is bouncy and kinder on the ankles. Another popular material used world over is a structural mix of select water-based poly resin.