America—which has experienced a coast-to-coast explosion in the installation of thousands of synthetic-turf fields, many made with tire crumb—is facing a dilemma: What to do with old, worn-out athletic fields, many of them reaching the end of their life span? Where do the millions of square feet of synthetic turf go to die?
The answer: The same place scrap tires went before—to landfills, rural and urban stockpiles, and “ravines, deserts, woods, and empty lots,” according to a FairWarning investigation.
Despite frequent claims by turf manufacturers that synthetic-turf fields are recyclable and environmentally friendly, FairWarning found that worn-out playing fields and playgrounds have limited second lives. Essentially, synthetic turf is a carpet of plastic, grasslike blades interspersed with sand and pulverized tires, or other infill materials, to give the field stability and shock absorbency.
But the technology to recycle this complex product—separating the plastic grass and backing from the sand-and-rubber infill—still isn’t fully developed in the United States, or is deemed too expensive, according to one industry report and interviews with turf experts.
FairWarning found no state or federal regulations specific to disposal of artificial turf, apart from general waste-management rules. The industry has publicly stated that the disposal burden lies with field owners, who often seek direction from turf vendors or consultants.
Meanwhile, a niche industry has emerged to reclaim some of the nation’s old turf and sell custom pieces to homeowners for landscaping, batting cages, and dog kennels. But the end result is the same: eventually, the stuff is bound for the Dumpster.