Help us put the green in pickleball...

We’re on a mission to recycle pickleballs! 

1 - Collect Pickleballs

We are currently working with Pickles to collect used and broken pickleballs.  We need 100's of balls to work with.

2 - Recycle

We are going to grind up, melt down and recycle balls with a commercial recycler. This will give us real world data on the material properties.

3 - Engage Stakeholders

With data in hand, we'll reach out to key stakeholders that have a vested interest in recycling pickleballs to seek support.

4 - Expand & Pilot

We hope to expand to multiple collection points in key cities to get more balls, more data and further prove the concept: that people will recycle pickleballs if given the opportunity!

5 - Scale Up

The ideal end state is to have national partners that will collect balls and get them back to recycling partners. We need a network of drop off points so everyone has access to recycling.

6 - Celebrate Success!

We look forward to the day when recycling pickleballs is part of every player's routine and products made from pickleballs are available for purchase - fully closing the loop.

FAQ

Can I recycle pickleballs?

Not yet! But that's what the RePickle Project is all about.

Why can't I just toss pickleballs in my recycling bin?

Recycling facilities are designed to sort household packaging; cardboard, cans, bottles, cartons, etc.  Materials that aren't on the list of accepted materials (like toys and sporting goods) will get removed as contamination from the system.  So we need to find another solution.

What are pickleballs made of?

Pickleballs are made of plastic - specifically high density polyethylene (HDPE).  This is the same type of plastic that is used for milk jugs and containers for things like laundry detergent or dish soap.

What can I do to help?

Save your pickleballs! Don't throw them away - and keep checking back with us.  When we have a solution, we'll let you know.  And if you live in or plan to visit Naples - take your broken balls to the NPC!

What can you make out of recycled pickleballs?

Lots of things! We have a few ideas for things that tournaments routinely need like: swag bags, clip boards for score keepers, bag tags, zipper pulls and more.

Why can't you make new pickleballs out of old pickleballs?

It might be possible - but not likely.  Plastics typically lose strength properties when they get recycled, and the colors get distorted. Plus, most pickleballs are made in China.  But we will look into it.

Who is behind this effort?

The RePickle Project is currently being led as a volunteer effort by three independent consultants that share a passion for plastics recycling and pickleball.  You can learn more about us below.

In Partnership with 4 Minute Consulting

About Pickles NE, LLC

Pickles was founded by Lisa DeMeritt and Wanda Melampy, two women with a passion for the sport of pickleball.  After being introduced to the sport and observing its huge following, they identified a need for additional local outdoor courts and an even bigger demand for indoor courts exclusively for the sport of pickleball.  Pickles will include a recreational facility providing indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, food service from various food trucks, a café area, and a small retail shop carrying the latest pickleball gear.

 Pickles will be located at 357 Columbia Road in Hanover, MA.