So what actually happens to artificial turf once it has reached the end of its life span? Although artificial turf lasts for a long time, it is not going to last forever so at some point there is going to be a lot of turf that is going to be removed and replaced. Many people are concerned that there will be tons and tons of synthetic grass simply thrown into landfill, thus creating an environmental nightmare.

Has the industry taken this eventuality into account and made some sort of provision to recycle the grass or are the fears correct?

Some companies are already offering used artificial turf to customers who can’t afford the expense of new artificial grass. Companies such as On Deck Sports offer their used artificial turf starting at $1 a square foot. They offer their turf citing possible uses in dugouts, football sidelines, paintball facilities or dog runs. Essentially, anywhere that a tough surface covering is required and pristine condition is not required.

Another company, UsedArtificialTurf.com runs a website that offers to help you buy and sell used artificial turf on the aftermarket. This is a site that offer to help put you in contact with an artificial turf seller that they think is a suitable match.

But these companies represent only a small proportion of the artificial turf that is being removed. There is another way in which the turf is being recycled in a project known as CARE or Carpet America Recovery Effort. In this case the grass fibers are cut away from the backing material and then recycled into new low density fiber yarns. As for the rubber backings, because the turf that is currently being removed is old technology, the rubber cannot be recycled. In this case the rubber is being burnt in the production of concrete or smelting plants as a source of energy.

As artificial turf made from newer, recyclable technology reaches its use by date it is expected that more of the materials are going to be able to be recovered and recycled.

All of the work that is required to remove and dispose of old artificial turf is an added cost that will have to be factored in to the overall price of artificial turf. Many people would not take into consideration the fact that 8 to 10 years (or thereabouts) after the turf is installed there will be another cost of having it taken out again. An estimation of the cost of disposal of an artificial turf playing field can run to around $130,000. (Source: University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture).

So work is being done to ensure that artificial turf can safely be disposed of so that it will not cause an environmental hazard. It appears that the job has only just begun with further measures required to keep up with the expected thousands of feet of artificial turf that will be removed over the next few years.