Is Rubber Mulch Safe?

More and more parks and playgrounds across the country are choosing rubber mulch for their spaces, but some people have questions about how safe it really is. Whether you’re concerned about cushioning or cleanliness, we’re here to set the record straight and give you peace of mind.

Our Rainbow Mulch products are springy, clean, stable, and long-lasting.

What Makes Rainbow Mulch Safe?

Impact Absorption

Rubber mulch cushions a fall much better than other kinds of mulch. Rainbow Mulch’s springy surface keeps kids and pets safe on your playground. In general, rubber mulch offers better impact absorption than sand, wood mulch, or pea gravel.

Non-Toxic

Rainbow Mulch is made of 100% virgin rubber, free of plastics, phthalates, BPA, and lead. Our clean, non-toxic mulch is never sourced from tires, so there’s no risk of leftover wires or chemicals. Virgin rubber is safe for both children and pets.

Stable and Long-Lasting

Rubber mulch doesn’t splinter or rot over time like wood mulch. Rainbow Mulch holds its shape and stays springy for years. In the long run, this makes rubber mulch more cost-effective than wood mulches.

Weather-Resistant

Rubber mulch isn’t bothered by the rain. Unlike wood mulch, it isn’t prone to mold and fungi. Rainbow Mulch maintains its performance in a wide range of weather conditions, which is another reason why you won’t have to replace it very often.

Safety Misconceptions About Rubber Mulch

Rubber Mulch Always Leaches Harmful Chemicals

It’s true that shredded rubber and crumb rubber made from recycled tires can leach chemicals. But Rainbow Mulch is made from 100% virgin rubber. Our rubber mulch products are compliant with California’s Proposition 65 and free of plastic, phthalates, BPA, and lead.

Rubber Mulch Always Smells Bad

This is another misconception that comes from people’s bad experiences with recycled tire mulch. Recycled tires smell bad because they have traces of oils, industrial adhesives, and who knows what else. But 100% virgin rubber mulch products are clean and only have a light, temporary scent that fades.

Rubber Mulch is Always More Dangerous than Wood Mulch

Rubber mulch actually offers better fall protection and footing. And you don’t have to worry about getting splinters either. Rainbow Mulch doesn’t leach chemicals and it doesn’t grow mold or fungi. This makes rubber mulch much safer than wood mulch.

Rubber Mulch is Always a Fire Risk

If you’ve ever seen a tire fire, you might be concerned about rubber mulch being a fire risk. No need to worry. Rubber mulch behaves differently since it’s made of small pieces that don’t trap heat or oxygen. Rubber mulch generally has a much higher ignition point than wood mulch.

Our Safety Certifications

ASTM F1292 Compliant for Impact Protection

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) tests how well surfaces absorb forces from a fall. Rainbow Mulch meets ASTM F1292 standards, the benchmark for mulch playground safety. This means Rainbow Mulch reduces injury risks, performs consistently in different environments, and it stays protective over time.

California Proposition 65 Compliant

California’s Proposition 65 is one of the strictest consumer safety regulations in the country. It requires products to be free of or extremely low in chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive harms. All of our Rainbow Mulch products are California Proposition 65 compliant.

Free of Plastics, Phthalates, BPA, and Lead

Low-quality surfacing materials, especially from recycled sources, often contain contaminants like plastics, phthalates, BPA, and lead. These toxins have been linked to respiratory irritation, hormone imbalances, and other long-term human health issues. Rainbow Mulch is free of plastics, phthalates, BPA, and lead. Choose Rainbow Mulch to create a cleaner and safer playground landscape for your children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber Mulch Safety

Is rubber mulch safer than wood mulch?

There are many reasons why rubber mulch can be considered safer than wood mulch. Rubber mulch offers better cushioning, it doesn’t splinter, it doesn’t attract insects, and it doesn’t need to be replaced as often. 

How long does rubber mulch last?

Rainbow Mulch can last through many years of activity.  Unlike wood mulch, it doesn’t rot or splinter easily over time. It keeps its shape and springiness over time, making it safer and more cost-effective than organic mulches that you have to replace over and over again.

Does rubber mulch get hot in the sun?

Yes, but not any hotter than other common outdoor materials. Rainbow Mulch doesn’t absorb sun like other surfaces because of the tiny pockets that help regulate temperature.

Does rubber mulch need much maintenance to keep it safe?

Very little! All you need to do maintenance-wise is rake it every now and then to keep the surface level. Rainbow Mulch doesn’t decompose or need yearly touchups like organic mulches.

Does rubber mulch attract insects?

No. Since rubber isn’t a food source, Rainbow Mulch won’t attract ants, termites, or other pests to your playground equipment.

Is rubber mulch safe for pets?

Yes, Rainbow Mulch is safe for pets—most animals won’t chew or eat it, and if they do, it’s inert and will simply pass through their system. It’s clean, non-absorbent, and it resists mold, making it a safe surface for dogs and other pets. 

Is rubber mulch environmentally safe for soil?

One of the rubber mulch cons that many people point out is that it doesn’t break down into soil nutrients like wood mulch. This is true, but playground rubber is environmentally friendly in other ways. Virgin rubber mulch lasts for many years and doesn’t leach chemicals or microplastics into the environment.

Can rubber mulch be used indoors?

Yes! Rainbow Mulch can be used for indoor playgrounds, gyms, training areas, and other spaces. Our mulch is clean to handle and doesn’t stick to shoes or clothing.

Contact Rainbow Mulch

Upgrade Your Playground with Rubber Mulch Today

Rainbow Mulch is a safe choice for playgrounds, schools, and landscaping because it’s springy, non-toxic, stable, and long lasting. Products are ASTM impact protection compliant, California Proposition 65 compliant, and free of plastics, phthalates, BPA, and lead. If you’re looking for a safe playground surface that doesn’t require much upkeep at all, Rainbow Mulch is a smart investment.

Ready to update your school or playground with Rainbow Mulch? Reach out to the Rainbow Mulch team today. Get answers to your questions, send you product details, and give you a free estimate on your next project.