Back to School with Recycled Rubber

Summer’s nearly over, and it’s time to go back to school. As parents pack lunches and kids line up their school supplies, recycled rubber also plays its part in getting students and teachers back to school safely. Here’s how recycled rubber supports students throughout a typical school day.

The bus ride 

On the bus ride to school, students might travel on roads modified with recycled rubber. Students seated at the traditionally bumpy back of the bus will have a smoother ride on rubber-modified asphalt, and students sneaking in a nap will enjoy a quieter journey. Rubber-modified asphalt is more durable than standard asphalt, so school buses are also less likely to be damaged by potholes or fissures in the road.  

School drop-off 

When students arrive at school, they might walk on rubber sidewalks and walkways that provide an extra-layer of safety. Crumb rubber doormats at school entrances keep floors clean and dry and reduce the number of slips and falls—especially useful on rainy days! 

Music class

Students in music class may be enjoying their recorders and tambourines, but the rest of school won't be able to hear these young musicians thanks to sound-dampening flooring and panels. These effective devices are made from recycled rubber and keep the noise levels throughout the school to a minimum, so budding pianists and oboe players can play as loud as they want without disturbing the rest of the school. 

Recess

The best part of the school day wouldn’t be possible without recycled rubber! Playgrounds cushioned with recycled rubber surfaces ensure that students can play on jungle gyms, monkey bars, slides, and spinning wheels without hurting themselves. Crumb rubber flooring can cushion falls of up to 16 feet, meaning that kids can happily climb equipment without worrying recess monitors.  

Science Class

Lab accidents are commonplace in science class, but recycled rubber is ready to assist. Rubber floors make it easier to clean up chemical spills or broken beakers, meaning students and teachers can get back to their experiments quickly after an accident. 

Passing Periods

When the bell rings between classes, students spill noisily into the hallways. Rubber plays hall monitor now: rubber flooring in hallways reduces noise and withstands heavy foot traffic. While a truly silent passing period may be unlikely, rubber helps keep the hallways as quiet as possible.

Gym class

In the gym, young athletes can count on recycled rubber for extra defense. Recycled rubber flooring reduces the impact on joints, cushions falls, and protects floors from gym equipment. Whether lifting weights or tumbling, students can exercise without worry as long as recycled rubber is underneath their feet. 

After-school sports practice

The final bell may have rung, but recycled rubber’s job is not over. As students get changed for sports practice, recycled rubber is ready to support them—whether on rubber tracks, cushioned tennis courts, or turf fields, rubber makes sports practice safer and allows students to play throughout all seasons.  

From the morning bus ride to after-school sports, recycled rubber appears in every part of the school day. With recycled rubber backing them up, students can return to school safely and focus on what really matters—learning, playing, and growing.