Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport in America, has become immensely popular. However, players often struggle with disposing of old or damaged pickleballs. Many are seeking ways to recycle these balls rather than simply throwing them away.
To recycle pickleballs, start by identifying the type of plastic your ball is made of. This information is usually found on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website. Pickleballs are typically made of LDPE (#4 plastic), which is generally more recyclable.
Use the Earth911 Recycling Locator to find nearby recycling facilities that accept #4 rigid plastic by entering your ZIP code. It’s important to note that while these facilities may accept rigid plastics, they may not necessarily accept pickleballs due to their size. It’s best to call ahead before dropping them off.
Encourage Recycling at Your Pickleball Court
P3 Pickleball has introduced collection boxes for local courts, which are then shipped back for recycling when full. Other organizations and pickleball manufacturers are working on similar initiatives. Tools like Service Pickleball offer recycling bins with postage-paid labels to return them when full. The Re-Pickle Project is also setting up a pickleball recycling network, though it’s not yet collecting balls.
The Pickleball Project, a new non-profit, is collecting and recycling pickleballs in clubs in New England. If you’re interested in having a collection bin at your pickleball court, reach out to the organization for more information.
If recycling isn’t an option, consider repurposing old pickleballs for creative projects like garage parking guides. Websites like Pickleball Central and Jennifer’s Pickleball Blog offer craft ideas.
As the sport grows, players should focus on choosing recyclable pickleballs and advocating for collection bins at their courts. Ensure that the court partners with a responsible recycler to process the balls properly. Taking steps like these contributes to a more sustainable practice in the sport.
Promote Sustainability in Pickleball
By conducting research and making efforts to recycle or creatively reuse pickleballs, players can contribute to sustainable disposal practices. Extend the life of your pickleballs by using them for practice or drills even after they’re no longer suitable for competitive play.
Now, head out to the court, work on your dink shot, and encourage others to choose recyclable equipment. Let’s help grow a sustainable sport together!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 1, 2023, and updated in September 2024. Need help with recycling a specific product or material? Reach out to us, and we’ll provide the research results to help others. Your support is appreciated!
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