Old shoes find new use

Tuesday, May 13, 2003 Posted: 1415 GMT (10:15 PM HKT)

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MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) -- Recycling isn't just about bottles and cans anymore.

Madison officials announced a recycling program Monday that would send old gym shoes to Nike, which would turn them into a material used to make athletic courts and fields.

The product, Nike Ground, is laid under basketball courts, football fields and running tracks, said George Dreckmann, city recycling coordinator.

"Boy, are they nice on the knees," Dreckmann said, referring to a basketball court he played on that was made of the recycled material.

Athletic shoes of any type, brand and color are welcome, but shoes with metal spikes or cleats can't be used, Dreckmann said.

Dreckmann said the city hopes to collect 5,000 pairs of shoes by the end of June.

The city had to buy a $1,200 insurance policy to participate in the program and will incur some other minor costs, Dreckmann said. Nike covers the shipping costs but doesn't pay the city for the old shoes.

Dreckmann said Madison benefits by keeping shoes out of the landfill.

"A company coming forward and willing to take responsibility for the product their whole industry generates -- we want to encourage that," he said.

Other cities participating in the program include Portland and Eugene, Oregon; Lansing, Michigan; Tacoma, Washington, and Santa Cruz, California.