Pickleball Recycling in Lexington: Pickleball’s rise in popularity in Lexington has been notable, with the city already boasting 27 courts across its parks and more planned. At Kirklevington Park, a new initiative is targeting sustainability by giving pickleball enthusiasts a chance to contribute to environmental efforts.
The Pickleball Problem
According to players like Becky Tomb, pickleballs have a short lifespan.
“A good ball may last a little longer, but typically it depends on the weather. If it’s really cold outside, the balls are going to crack a little easier. In the summer they’re going to last a little bit longer. The harder the hitter is, it’s probably going to crack a little bit faster. And the more you use it of course.” – (Becky Tomb)
Players often continue to use balls even after they develop minor cracks, but once the damage goes too far, the ball becomes unusable. Tomb added,
“The ball bounces and sometimes even when you hit it feels a little different and it definitely bounces different.”
Recycling Solution
To address the issue, Lexington Sustainability Environmental Services partnered with the non-profit P3 Cares, a group specializing in recycling pickleballs. Lexington Environmental Initiatives Specialist Chrissie Balding spearheaded the project by setting up four white bins at Kirklevington Park to collect used balls.
“We started this in April. This is a partnership between Sustainability, Parks and Recreation, and the Kentucky Pickleball Association. Part of the reason we chose this location is they often host tournaments here. There’s a larger volume of players.” – (Chrissie Balding)
The collected balls are shipped to the North Carolina-based nonprofit for recycling.
“We have mailed off one shipment so far, which is about 145 balls. That’s nine pounds of plastic that we kept out of the landfill.” – (Chrissie Balding)
Testing and Expansion
The first four bins have undergone some testing to ensure they can withstand high winds and severe weather, currently using weights in the bottom for stability. Balding hopes to refine the system and expand it to other pickleball courts around Lexington.
“With such a large volume, those broken pickleballs can add up.” – (Balding)
“Now to be able to put them in the recycle bin makes you feel so much better than throwing them in the trash.” – (Tomb)
Future Plans
While the recycled pickleballs are currently repurposed for various uses, P3 Cares is collaborating with pickleball manufacturers to incorporate the recycled material into new balls. This initiative helps keep plastic out of landfills and supports the sustainability of the sport.
The city’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to sustainability, encouraging players to participate actively in recycling and reducing waste.
News in Brief: Pickleball Recycling in Lexington
Lexington is enhancing its pickleball scene with a new recycling initiative at Kirklevington Park. As pickleball gains popularity, players like Becky Tomb note the short lifespan of pickleballs, which often crack and become unusable. To address this, Lexington Sustainability Environmental Services partnered with the non-profit P3 Cares, placing collection bins at the park.
Environmental Initiatives Specialist Chrissie Balding stated that the first shipment sent 145 balls to be recycled. The initiative aims to expand citywide, reducing landfill waste. P3 Cares is also working with manufacturers to use recycled material in new pickleballs, promoting sustainability in the sport.
ALSO READ: Hard Eights Advanced to Quarterfinals by Beating Slice
