How can I reuse or recycle old squash balls?

squash ball and racketWe’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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14 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle old squash balls?”


  1. Delusion says:

    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.

  2. Anonymous says:

    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.

  3. yogahz says:

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

  4. Cannon says:

    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
    http://www.rebounces.com

  5. Monique says:

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

  6. Jessica says:

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

  7. kareem says:

    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

  8. kerin says:

    I need used squash balls to put under some chairs that are scraping my floor. I would pay for shipping to NY. I can use as many as you have.

    Kerin

  9. Tracey says:

    I co-run a mini squash club (Free of charge & no pay!!!) for children at the primary school were i work. We are having trouble with the bouncyness of our balls and would greatfully receive any old balls. and some advise on how to make balls bouncy for the children who can’t hit them very hard.

  10. HuntingWabbits says:

    Tennis balls are supposed to massage towels in the wash so that they are fluffier, but I’m not sure how.

  11. sometimes something says:

    @ tracy: squash balls don’t bounce well if they are not hot, you are likely using pro balls (double yellow) which generally has a very low bounce, pick a ball that bounces more (blue) for the children. Please note, most non-novice use double yellow (professional ball), and using them won’t be good young children who haven’t developed the right form (it’ll be even more difficult for spent balls). Teaching children the right form will help them hit balls like a pro (i’ve seen kids as young as 7-8 play way better than most adults at my club). squash balls aren’t expensive, it’s worth the $1.50 for a new ball which will bounce well and improve the quality of your student’s experience.

  12. Gary says:

    I recycle squash balls into other products and I’m always looking for more. See http://www.rusticworkbench.com

    Contact me!



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