RECYCLING Recycle your old sports balls —
whether you have one or hundreds.
How Our Collection and Recycling Service Works
We offer two options for individuals, clubs, schools, and community groups.
- We offer free drop-off for individuals because the cost of collecting and processing small volumes is shared across many locations.
- For clubs, schools, and community groups, bulk collections involve more steps — handling, packaging, transport, and sorting — so a small fee keeps the program running and allows us to continue offering free drop-off everywhere else.
Our drop-off points inside Rebel stores are designed for small amounts. They are not intended for large volumes from schools, community groups, or clubs. For those larger collections, use the bulk collection option.
Choose How You Want to Recycle:
| Individuals | Clubs & Schools | Large / Ongoing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Individuals, families | Clubs, schools, community groups | Councils, stadiums, facilities |
| Quantity | 1–5 balls per visit | 6–100 balls | 100+ balls or recurring collections |
| Where | Rebel drop-off store | Kit delivered to your club/school | Pallet freight or scheduled pickup |
| Cost | Free | Starting from $49.36 per (incl. bags & freight) | Quote required |
| Includes | Drop-off only | Recycling Bags, return shipping, sorting, recycling | Planning, pallet freight, bulk processing |
| Service area | Nationwide Rebel stores | Available in selected postcodes | Confirmed by request |
| Find a drop-off | Order a kit | Request a quote |
what happens to the balls?
Once collected, balls are sent to our Melbourne facility where they’re sorted by condition.
Reusable balls are donated to community groups and clubs.
Damaged balls are shredded and turned into new products like:
Infill for boxing bags
Recycled-concrete pavers
This helps keep synthetic waste out of landfill and supports local recycled manufacturing.
WHY SPORTS BALLS?
Most sports balls are made from rubber, synthetic leather, foam and plastic – materials that don’t break down. Every year, thousands of damaged or worn-out balls are tossed away by clubs with no easy way to recycle them.
- 10 million tennis balls are used each year to play the game we love.
- It’s predicted that 330 million balls are made worldwide each year, and most of these eventually end up in landfill.
- Balls components can take more than 400 years to decompose.
supporting BRANDS
TreadLightly’s SPORTS BALL program is powered by Australia’s leading sports and active lifestyle brands including
