As someone who grew up just a few miles from an old tire dump, I’ve always hoped somebody would find a use for these unsightly, potentially hazardous, and seemingly useless rubber eyesores. Finally, some innovative companies are doing just that, including a new one in Lockport.
RubberForm Recycled Products is the result of a brother and sister team who are committed to turning recycled rubber tires into such things as sign bases, speed bumps, rubber curbing…even blocks that can be used to make rubber sidewalks.
Recently, owners Bill and Deborah Robbins donated two of their first sign bases to the City of Lockport, to replace two makeshift bases made from metal and concrete. Mayor Michael Tucker is glad to have them. I suspect other municipalities, road construction crews and many other entities will see the value in these unique products, too.
Don’t be surprised if these new Western New York entrepreneurs find other items they can make from what’s called “crumb rubber”…perhaps, products for our homes.
Meantime, I, for one, am glad to know that this environmentally friendly company will help keep scrap tires out of US landfills. I’m also proud that they’re doing it right here in “NY West”.
By Brian Kahle – DISCOVER NY WEST COLUMN
