Sports & Recreation recycling
How to Recycle Sports Balls
Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, and similar inflated or felt-covered balls. Reuse and donation dominate; tennis balls are the main consumer recycling niche via RecycleBalls.
RecyclableUsable balls: a few dollars each at thrift or PIAS; tennis recycling is usually free diversion, not a household payoutUpdated Jul 2026
Quick answer
Donate usable basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls to schools, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, or Play It Again Sports. Tennis balls have a real specialty path via RecycleBalls; other ball types rarely have national material recycling.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Usable balls: a few dollars each at thrift or PIAS; tennis recycling is usually free diversion, not a household payout
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Clean balls with mild soap and water; dry fully
- 2Inflate if still usable; inflated balls donate better