Sport shouldn’t cost the earth. Do your bit for the planet with TreadLightly this Global Recycling Day (March 18, 2025) by recycling your unwanted sports shoes and balls
MELBOURNE – 18 MARCH, 2025: TreadLightly is encouraging local communities to take action against a growing waste problem by focusing on sports waste this Global Recycling Day.
Millions of balls and shoes are made worldwide each year, and most of these eventually end up in landfill. Shoe components can take up to 1000 years to decompose, and balls can take 400 years – highlighting the urgent need for Aussies sports enthusiasts to take action to reduce their impact on the planet.
TreadLightly is an industry-led national recycling program powered by the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) – giving new life to unwanted sports gear, including sports footwear and balls. Since its launch in 2021, the program has recycled nearly 1.5 million pairs of shoes (363 tonnes) and approximately 26 tonnes of sports balls so far.
Shaun Bajada, Executive Director, from the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) says that the program provides a simple solution for people to reduce their sports waste and make a difference.
“If you love sport, it’s time to start thinking about what you can do to support the next generation of sports enthusiast. When it comes to recycling, we all need to be on Team Australia,” said Bajada.
“We’re calling for every household to step up to the challenge and recycle at least one sports ball or pair of shoes this Global Recycling Day. That would be 10 million items that wouldn’t end up in landfill,” added Bajada.
Five tips to tackle sports waste take this Global Recycling Day:
- It’s time to move on: If you tried a sport and moved on, don’t let your gear go to waste! Whether it’s tennis shoes or a basketball from that one season three years ago – now’s the time to pass it on.
- Get your sports club involved: Ask around at your local sports clubs, do they have a TreadLightly collection point in place for sports balls?
- Find your nearest TreadLightly collection box: Visit treadlightly.asga.com.au to find your nearest collection location for sports’ footwear and balls.
- Time to get social: Post on socials asking your friends to join in to step up for the planet on Global Recycling Day #wetreadlightly @treadlightly.asga
- Educate kids: Teach young athletes the importance of recycling and get them involved with sorting and recycling your old shoes and sports balls.
“Regardless of the condition of your old footy boots or your worn-out netball, we are able to extract materials like rubber, leather, and fibres to manufacture new products and give your unwanted sports gear new life,” added Bajada.
TreadLightly works closely with 27 of Australia’s leading sports retailers and manufacturers including Adidas, Asics, Basketball Victoria, Brooks, Dunlop, Drumond Golf, Ecco, FootJoy, Frankie4, Globe, Hush Puppies, Implus, Intersport, Macpac, Mizuno, Nike, New Balance, Platypus, Rebel Sport, RM Williams, Sherrin, Shoes & Sox, Spalding, SportsPower, Tennis Australia, The Athletes Foot, and Wilson.
The sports gear collected is either donated to community groups in need or recycled and turned into sustainable products such as rubber mats, retail flooring and more. All material is collected, recycled and manufactured in Australia – providing a local solution to a global waste problem.
TreadLightly has more than 1000 collection points across Australia. To find your closest collection location visit https://treadlightly.asga.com.au/what-do-you-want-to-recycle/
ENDS