Is It Safe to Recycle Rubber Gym Flooring?

recycle rubber gym flooring

The floor of a gym is typically made of rubber. It is one of the best options for gym floors because it provides cushion under your feet, does not grow mold, and has a slip-resistant surface. With all of these benefits, it’s easy to understand why rubber flooring is the go-to material for all types of gyms. But, what should you do with the flooring once you no longer need it? Is it safe to recycle rubber gym flooring?

Yes, Recycle That Old Rubber Flooring

You can go ahead and recycle that old rubber flooring from your gym or your school. In fact, more than 290 million tires are recycled annually in the United States. We know that’s not rubber flooring, but you get the drift. It’s still rubber, and rubber does not breakdown over time, so recycling the material is the best option instead of letting it sit in a landfill.

What Types of Rubber Flooring Can be Recycled?

recycled rubber flooring rollsRecycling a rubber floor is quite easy. All you need to do is contact your local recycling center to see if they accept the material. If they don’t, ask them who in the area does. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a center that will take old commercial rubber flooring. The types of rubber flooring that can be recycled include:

  • Natural rubber flooring – Natural rubber flooring is made from latex, which is found in para rubber trees. Because many people are allergic to latex, this might not be the best option for your gym or school.
  • Synthetic rubber flooring – Synthetic rubber flooring is your better installation option because it is not made of latex – it is made of petroleum. Synthetic rubber flooring has a longer life than other options and can easily be recycled when no longer needed.

Using Recycled Rubber Flooring

If you have ever purchased rubber flooring before, you will likely know that it was made from recycled rubber material. A lot of recycled rubber flooring is made from recycled tires, reducing the amount of waste in landfills. Recycled rubber flooring is the best option available for your gym or school because it is more durable than natural rubber flooring. It lasts upwards of 20 years before it’s time to replace them, making it a smart investment for your gym or school.

Questions About Rubber Flooring? Contact Specialized Supplies & Services

Do you have questions about the rubber flooring at your gym or in your school? Do you want to recycle it or purchase recycled rubber flooring? If so, it’s time to talk to the team from Specialized Supplies & Services about your needs. Call our team at (855) 782-2375 to discuss your gym’s flooring needs.