In the past few years, SpectraTurf has upcycled hundreds of safety surfaces, diverting millions of pounds that would have gone to the landfill, but instead has gone back into creating a base for new surfacing.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November of 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

What's Upcycling?

SpectraTurf has a clear and purposeful plan for reducing their environmental footprint. The first in the playground surfacing industry to demonstrate their concern for child safety and the future of our planet, SpectraTurf upcycles every playground they tear out and uses it in the base layer of a new playground. Traditionally, old playgrounds are sent to the dump, but not SpectraTurf playgrounds. Now with 3rd party testing, SpectraTurf can validate that your playground will be upcycled at the end of its life and used for a new playground’s life. 

New Upcycling Certification Program

SpectraTurf is currently launching the Ecore™ TRUcircularity™ program, whereby customers become partners in their commitment to the upcycling of the playground's surface materials. The program will certify that 100% of the playground surfacing materials being installed will be upcycled at the end of the playground's life and that tear-outs will not be taken to landfills.  

These playgrounds will receive a certificate, announcing their commitment to the environment and their dedication to recycling and upcycling processes. Contact us to learn more.

Grant Awarded for Efforts in Reducing Waste

In 2020, SpectraTurf was awarded a grant from CalRecycle Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery through their Tire Incentive Grant Program for this innovative process. The program recognizes companies who are finding new ways to upcycle and reduce waste going to landfills.

Whether you’re looking to install a new playground or just update an old product, chances are high that “environmentally friendly” and “safe” are two attributes that are on the top of your list. And, rightfully so! It’s important that the product you choose is not harmful to the environment or to the end user.

The use of recycled materials has been common in the playground safety surfacing industry for many years. In fact, most poured-in-place systems are made using rubber – specifically, recycled tires. While this has a great environmental impact by preventing an overabundance of tires in landfills, the reality is that it is only delaying the process for 10-20 years. In most cases, once that playground needs to be replaced, the materials end up in the landfill anyway. With SpectraTurf’s upcycling program, our materials never need to go to a landfill. 

Our products are not just sustainable for the environment, but also for the health and well-being of all those that come in contact with them. At SpectraTurf, safety will always be a top priority. Many years ago, it was believed that rubber materials could pose a danger to users. Since then, many studies have shown that recycled rubber poses no health risks. In fact, a thorough third-party, laboratory-testing program ensures all of our products meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s surfacing standard. We also perform continual testing on all raw materials used in our systems for quality, properties, and strength. We are confident in the safety of our products. Technical data and product specifications are available for review.