UNC Charlotte finds creative uses for 5,000 used tennis balls
Ideas to keep tennis balls from going to waste
The following article appeared in the Feb. 7, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
The university found excess tennis balls during Covid; Now they’re headed to charities
In the midst of Covid in 2020, staff at UNC Charlotte were doing what many of us were doing — cleaning out closets — when they came across a bundle of used tennis balls from the university’s tennis team. They weren’t sure what to do with them.
So they enlisted the help of the recycling unit of the Building Environmental Services and Recycling department, who came up with some creative ideas to keep them from going to waste.
Once Covid restrictions lifted and the university’s tennis complex started hosting tennis matches again, the tennis ball floodgates lifted. So far, some 5,000 balls have found new lives, said Kelly Freshcorn, recycling program associate in the UNC Charlotte Facilities Management department.
Many have gone to University Meadows Elementary School, where they’re used on the bottom of chair legs so chairs move smoother and quieter.
Recently, the university sent 1,000 to the charity Samaritan’s Purse.
But the bulk wind up at the Humane Society of Charlotte, where they’re used to keep dogs like Elle (shown below) playing and active:
—Cristina Bolling
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news through e-newsletters and on a website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.
Social media: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.
Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman