RecycleBalls is an innovative, youth-driven 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization with a mission to recycle/and reuse every tennis ball in the United States!  We began in Vermont in 2016 and the tremendous success of our pilot program has allowed us to expand nationwide and help individuals and facilities leverage the lessons we’ve learned in adopting these proven processes.

We’re not your typical nonprofit.  We’re applying best practices from manufacturing and distribution to achieve our goals quickly and efficiently. The shared nature of our mission has inspired people of every age to get involved. A growing network of partners and individuals are spearheading a first-of-its-kind positive change for U.S. tennis by their example and are ensuring that tennis in the U.S. will become a green sport.

What is RecycleBalls?

RecycleBalls is a networked collection solution:
1. We are the first organization in U.S. tennis history with a large scale collection solution for all played tennis balls in this country.   
2. Our patented no-cost QUICKSHIP bin/program is the simplest way for individuals and facilities around the nation to recycle tennis balls. Not only does the program provide pre-paid shipping but in addition provides a tax donation for every ball donated.

RecycleBalls is a full recycling solution:
1. We created RecycleBalls Green Gold in 2017.  This unique crumb rubber product, made from tennis balls, can be easily incorporated into many existing processes .
2. This rubber product was the result of developing a process that removes 99% of the felt from tennis balls in a cost-effective manner.
3. The first products made with RecycleBall’s Green Gold were created in 2018 with new strategic partners.  

In February 2019, Recycleballs was one of four non profits nominated as an environmental  finalist in the prestigious 2019 Halo awards.

Why is tennis so wasteful?
Tennis players recognize a significant environmental problem and agree that U.S. tennis players need to change their habits and recycle their tennis balls. Typically, tennis players rarely play with a can of balls more than once or twice because of the quick decline in pressure and the lack of consistency compared to that provided by new balls. Nationwide, approximately 125 million used tennis balls wind up in America’s landfills every year. That is 20,000 metric tons of methane-producing rubber waste that takes 400 years to decompose!

Why have tennis balls not been recycled in the U.S. until now?
– There has been no formalized collection program/solution to date that is sustainable and nationally scalable.
– Without a formalized, scalable collection program that provided a significant ongoing supply of tennis balls, recycling efforts have not been able to universally materialize.

How has this network been able to grow so quickly?
We have maintained exceptional growth by offering effective no-cost programs that provide both a green value and a substantial tax benefit. We also have an amazing network of committed partners that believe this is the future of tennis.

How have you been able to finance cost-free programs?
This non profit was privately seeded by the generosity of a few who have donated time and treasure. Our ongoing operations to date are being generously supported by Wilson Sporting Goods – our key sponsor and partner, donations and the sales of some balls as recyclable “no trash” dog balls. We have also been able to leverage considerable volunteer time and keep our expenses very low.

What about sales of the recycled material?
Currently our recycling line (the PLAY IT GREEN machine) represents a net expense. Given new partners and products, this is changing. The investment we have made in this new first-of-its-kind, custom built recycling line, holds promise that with increased production and further product R&D, this will pay for itself and fund much of this initiative – and allow us to offer cost-free programs permanently.

Is this model sustainable?
Yes, with increased publicity, partners, products and support, we are confident that it is.  We now have a need to hire a full time director, employ recycling line help and fund recycled product R&D. Given significant growth, we are challenged to make this initiative sustainable right now AND keep our programs cost-free. We strongly believe that a cost-free model is the most effective way to spread this mission and make the greatest impact.

Are there any global role models?
Yes. Along with our network, France is also leading the way internationally with “Operation Jaune,” a government-sponsored commitment to recycling all tennis balls in that country. This effort continues to grow and make a difference. It has received international acclaim by players and pros alike.

What can we do in this country?
Tennis players want to do what is right environmentally and would recycle all of their balls if there were available courtside recycling bins where they play. Organizations want to be part of the solution, but there needs to be a return of value that reflects well on their brand without increasing expenses. In short, there needs to be a cost-effective, universally adopted initiative to collect, recycle and publicize a solution that will keep all tennis balls out of U.S. landfills.