125 Million Tennis Balls are sold in the United States each year!
While it’s only a fraction of the number of styrofoam cups sitting in landfills, it’s still an overwhelming number. Here are 10 ways each of us can put our well used tennis balls to good use after they have been retired from play!
Recycle Idea #1 Chair Legs
Contact schools and churches with classrooms in your area. Your used ball donations will be put to good use!
Recycle Idea #2 Bottle Opener
You may not recycle a lot of balls this way, but it sure comes in handy and makes a great gift for friends of all ages!
Recycle Idea #3 Planter
Unique and environment-friendly planters are another creative way to put your over-used tennis balls to good use.
Recycle Idea #4 Fuzzy Yellow House
A tennis ball is the newest in critter architectural design. Interest from small birds, mice, gerbils, and others are making it a seller’s market!
Recycle Idea #5 Ball Bracelets
Tennis Ball Bracelets are easy to make and one-size-fits-all. Paint the inside before or after cutting. To paint before, just cut the ball in half and let dry.
Recycle Idea #6 Pet Toys
How about donating used balls to animal shelters or bring a loaded basket to a dog park with a sign that says “Free Balls – Take One!”
Recycle Idea #7 Cord Organizer
Cut a slit in a tennis ball on two sides. Put the plug through one hole and the connector through the other. Your extra wire is wound up inside the ball!
Recycle Idea #8 Walker Sliders
Retirement homes light up when someone donates a box of tennis balls. They are tried and tested over decades to make life easier on the senior circuit.
Recycle Idea #9 Non-Slip Hook Trick
This idea is a tennis lover’s trick that offers non-slip benefits to sometimes slippery hooks. Just cut a slit in the ball to use for towels or robes.
Recycle Idea #10 Dog Treat Game
Here are 2 dog facts. First, they love treats. Second, dog owners need ways to keep energetic dogs busy. This ball recycle idea does the trick!
Joe Dinoffer is a Master Professional in both the USPTA and PTR, has been recognized with numerous national awards including the 2019 City of Dallas Humanitarian Award for contributions to inner city tennis, and has conducted clinics and exhibitions in over 50 countries. Joe is the author and editor of 9 books and more than 20 DVDs, has more than 300 published articles in various tennis and pickleball magazines, and has aired many instructional tips on the Tennis Channel. Plus, Joe’s YouTube channel has more than 2 million views and growing! His latest book “Words, Wisdom, and Whimsy” is the second volume of an illustrated series called “Poems from the Heart.” In 1994, Joe founded OnCourt OffCourt, Ltd., a company dedicated to serving the tennis, pickleball, fitness, yoga, and physical education industries with innovative training aids and educational tools. Today, he has designed and manufactured more than 150 creative products being distributed and used in 100 countries worldwide.
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