How to Prepare
- 1Clean balls with soap and water
- 2Check if balls still hold air - inflated balls have higher reuse value
- 3Remove any personal markings if possible
- 4Sort by sport and condition
- 5Consider donation if balls are still usable
Where to Recycle
- Tennis clubs and courts (tennis balls)
- Recreation centers and gyms
- Schools and youth organizations
- Pet shelters (tennis balls for dogs)
- Specialized sports equipment recycling centers
Special Instructions
Tennis balls are highly recyclable and valuable - they're turned into athletic courts and playground surfaces. Other balls may have limited recycling but high reuse value.
Environmental Impact
Ball recycling prevents synthetic rubber and felt from landfills. Tennis balls take 400 years to decompose naturally. Recycled balls create athletic surfaces that last decades.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Donate usable balls to schools or youth programs
- Tennis balls make excellent dog toys
- Use as massage balls or chair leg protectors
- Repurpose for garage organization or crafts
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Tennis balls (most valuable for recycling)
- Basketballs and footballs
- Soccer balls and volleyballs
- Racquetball and squash balls
- Medicine balls and exercise balls
Not Accepted
- Balls with electronic components
- Severely damaged or torn balls
- Balls contaminated with chemicals
- Bowling balls (require specialized disposal)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $0.10-0.50 per tennis ball for recycling; $2-15 for quality used balls
Donation
- Local schools and recreation centers
- Boys & Girls Clubs
- YMCA