Got old pickleballs lying around? If you’re anything like me, you hate to see anything go to waste—especially those well-loved pickleballs that have seen better days.
Instead of tossing them in the trash, why not give them a second life? We’ve gathered a bunch of inventive ideas from pickleball players just like you who have found some super creative ways to repurpose their used balls.
From quirky art projects to practical everyday hacks, here’s how you can turn those old balls into something new and exciting!
1. Garden Spheres
Place old pickleballs at the bottom of plant pots before adding soil. They help improve drainage and aeration, which is crucial for root health, especially in potted plants where overwatering can be an issue.
2. Art Projects
Assemble used pickleballs into unique sculptures or mosaic wall pieces. You can glue them together to form figures or abstract shapes, adding a playful touch to gardens or indoor spaces.
3. Holiday Ornaments
Paint pickleballs with festive colors and designs. Add hooks and hang them on your Christmas tree or around the house during the holidays. This is a great activity to get kids involved in holiday preparations.
4. DIY Lampshades
String together old pickleballs to create eye-catching lampshades. Use various colors and patterns to match your decor. Ensure to use LED bulbs as they don’t heat up as much as other bulbs, which could damage the balls.
5. Pet Toys
Old pickleballs can be made into an interactive toy for pets. By drilling a hole and filling the balls with treats, pets can roll the ball around to slowly dispense their treats, providing mental stimulation and physical activity.
6. Noise Makers for Gates/Fences
Hang old pickleballs from strings on gates or fences so they clack in the wind. This can serve as a makeshift wind chime or help keep birds away from your garden.
7. Door Stoppers
Fill old pickleballs with sand or small stones and seal them up. Use them as colorful and soft door stoppers that won’t scratch your floors.
8. Floating Pool Decor
Use old pickleballs as floating decorations in your pool. They’re waterproof and can add a pop of color to your poolside parties. You can even draw on faces or designs to enhance the fun.
9. Car Antenna Toppers
Place a pickleball on the end of your car antenna to make your vehicle stand out in a crowded lot. This can be particularly useful in large shopping centers or during events.
10. Massage Rollers
For a simple DIY massage tool, place several old pickleballs into a long sock and tie it off. Roll it under your feet or over sore muscles to help relieve tension.
11. Crafts for Kids
Use pickleballs in craft projects with children. They can be decorated as planets for a model solar system, turned into maracas by filling them with beads and attaching handles, or even used in building projects to represent different structural elements.
Sill Want to Dispose of Old Pickleballs?
Disposing of old pickleballs responsibly is important to minimize environmental impact, as they are typically made from plastic materials that can be challenging to decompose.
Here are some thoughtful ways to dispose of old pickleballs:
- Recycling Programs: Check if there are local recycling programs that accept pickleballs. Some communities might have sports equipment recycling facilities or special programs that deal with plastic waste. These programs can properly process and recycle the materials used in pickleballs.
- Donation: Consider donating your used pickleballs to local schools, community centers, or retirement homes where they can be used for leisure activities. Even if they’re too worn for competitive play, they may still be suitable for casual games.
- Manufacturer Take-Back Programs: Some manufacturers might offer take-back programs where they collect old balls to recycle or repurpose them. Check with the brand of your pickleballs to see if they offer such a program.
So, there you have it—11 fun and inventive ways to give those old pickleballs a new lease on life! From turning them into adorable garden helpers to crafting unique holiday ornaments, there’s no end to the creativity you can unleash.
So next time you find yourself with a few worn-out balls, think twice before tossing them out. With a bit of imagination, those old pickleballs can turn into something unexpectedly wonderful. Let’s keep those creative juices flowing and keep finding new ways to reduce waste and recycle more in our pickleball-loving community!
