Liberty Tire Recycling Applauds OEHHA Study Confirming Safety of Recycled Rubber in Turf

Liberty Tire Recycling Applauds Findings of California OEHHA Draft Study Confirming No Significant Health Risks from Recycled Rubber in Synthetic Turf 

March 18, 2025
 
PITTSBURGH— Liberty Tire Recycling applauds the findings of the recently released draft study from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), which found no significant health risks associated with the use of recycled rubber—commonly known as crumb rubber—in synthetic turf fields. 
 
After an extensive multi-year evaluation, OEHHA’s study concluded that players, coaches, referees, and spectators face no significant health risks from exposure to chemicals in crumb rubber, whether on the field or in surrounding areas. The study reinforces findings from previous research conducted by federal and state agencies, all of which support the safety of recycled rubber in synthetic turf applications. 
 
“This study provides further scientific validation that recycled rubber infill, made from repurposed tires, is a safe and sustainable solution for athletic fields,” said Thomas Womble, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Tire Recycling. “We are proud to play a role in reclaiming rubber and giving it a new life in applications that benefit communities nationwide.” 
 
As the leading recycler of end-of-life tires in North America, Liberty Tire Recycling transforms used tires into innovative and environmentally responsible products, including crumb rubber infill for synthetic turf fields. This repurposed material enhances durability, shock absorption, and playability while also diverting waste from landfills and contributing to a circular economy. With sustainability at the core of its mission, Liberty Tire Recycling remains committed to providing high-quality recycled rubber solutions that benefit the environment and promote responsible recycling. 
 
The OEHHA study adds to the extensive body of evidence affirming that synthetic turf fields containing recycled rubber provide a safe playing surface. Similarly, the U.S. EPA released a report last year concluding that there was little to no chemical exposure difference between players who used synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber infill and players who used grass fields.  
 
Liberty Tire Recycling will continue to advocate for responsible recycling practices and the beneficial reuse of materials that contribute to a more sustainable future. 
 
The full OEHHA draft study is available at: https://oehha.ca.gov/sites/default/files/media/2025-03/DraftTurfReport031325.pdf. 
 
For more information about Liberty Tire Recycling and its commitment to sustainability, visit www.libertytire.com. 
 
About Liberty Tire Recycling

Liberty Tire Recycling is committed to partnering with industry leaders to help inspire a more sustainable planet. We are continuously striving to find new and better ways to reclaim, recycle, reuse and repurpose the more than 215 million end-of-life tires we collect for renewable solutions that benefit the long-term health of the world we live in. As the market leader in tire recycling management in North America, diverting more than 4.5 billion pounds of rubber from landfills each year, our passion is to make the world a better place to live for generations to come by boldly changing the way the industry approaches sustainability.

###

Download a PDF version of this press release here.