How can I reuse or recycle old squash balls?

Wed 20 Aug 2008

How can I reuse or recycle old squash balls?

squash ball and racket We’ve had an email from Simon:

Any ideas on how to recycle squash balls? I play squash 4-5 times a week so end up with loads that are past their best. I’m sure there must be something better I can do than just throw them away? Suggestions I’ve had were to use them in the washing machine (?), in the cistern to save water, cover them in glitter to make xmas decs or make my own lottery / bingo set ….

I think the washing machine thing is like part of the idea behind washing balls (Ecoballs etc) - they bang against the clothes and the friction helps remove the grim and dirt, or something. That’s an awful explanation - sorry. Can anyone explain it better?

The lottery/bingo idea may seem a bit of a joke but if a local school fair or church fete may be able to use a whole stack of them for just that purpose - so it may be worth offering on your local Freecycle group just in case.

Any other suggestions? Am I right in thinking they’re made from rubber - and if so, what are the recycling options? Anyone know?

(Photo by wizard)

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I don’t know how heavy squash balls are but if they float it’s recommended you keep a ball in your waterbutt. It moves around the surface stopping “crud” from settling.

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A popular hi-fi tweak is to cut squash balls in half in half and use them as isolation feet for your hi-fi seperates. I haven’t tried it but am assured it works.

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My tennis club recycles tennis balls - ask your club to look into recycling options.

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Simon -

Currently we, at Rebounces, are only recharging tennis balls in bulk for resale, however our technology also works (from what we’ve tested) on squash balls.

Hopefully we will have a solution for you in the future.

Cheers

- Cannon
www.rebounces.com

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You could donate them to a physical therapy office which uses them for therapy of hands and feet.

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You may be able to donate them to someplace like the SPCA or a dog kennel for the dogs to play with.

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washing the balls makes them last a lot longer.
u dont need to wash them in the machine and risk staining your clothes.
just run some water over them and rub them with your hands. ull see the dust start to come off. when u dry them ull notice how grippy they are. and ull find they’re as good as new once u start playing.
u should wash them after each game.
then u can play with each ball till it pops! enjoy

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