U.S. Rubber Reclaiming has partnered with FFA chapters across the country in an environmental fundraising recycling program. FFA chapter members simply collect old inner tubes then deliver them to a pre-determined collection point in their district. Each participating FFA chapter receives a guaranteed minimum payment per pound of tubes collected and USRR coordinates all logistics related to trailer transportation to/from each district, trailer rental, promotional materials, etc.

The program is beneficial for a number of reasons.

• The FFA earns money through their fundraising efforts.
• It’s good for the environment. Through this project, USRR desires to reduce the number of scrap tubes being placed into landfills and ditches across the US. An estimated 150 million pounds of tubes are discarded annually with less than 20 percent being collected for recycling applications. Most states do not regulate the disposal of scrap tubes so most find their way into landfills. And because butyl inner tubes do not decompose, they stay in landfills forever. This is a true environmental recycling program from every perspective. Through this program, scrap tubes are collected and reprocessed with the recycled rubber returning to its original purpose applications.
• It’s easy. FFA members collect tubes, not tires; thereby maximizing space and making pick up and delivery to the collection site easy. Chapters can find tubes in several locations, including area farming operations, equipment dealerships, retail tire locations, tire disposal outfits and other local companies.
• Participating in the program serves as more than just a budget-reliever. Local chapters also have the opportunity to build relationships with equipment dealers and other local companies contributing their scrap tubes. In the end, those relationships will benefit the local chapters both directly and indirectly in terms of future partnerships, donations and sponsorships.

For more information on becoming involved with the U.S. Rubber Reclaiming-FFA Environmental Recycling Program in your state, please call 1-888-442-8440.

Click here to download your copy of the FFA Program Overview.