LA Students Collect 22,000 Sports Balls for Recycling

On September 19, 2026, a remarkable achievement took place at Reed Park in Santa Monica, California, where 13 high school students from the teen-led organization Another Bounce, in collaboration with the nonprofit Habits of Waste, set a Guinness World Record by collecting an impressive total of 22,000 sports balls for recycling. Weighing in at 2,674 pounds and 14.4 ounces, this effort not only showcased the dedication of these young individuals but also highlighted a significant step towards addressing waste generated by sports. The event was filled with energy, featuring a live DJ and enthusiastic participation from classmates, all rallying behind the cause of sustainability and responsible waste management.

The initiative to collect these sports balls stemmed from a growing awareness of the environmental impact of discarded sports equipment. Tennis and pickleball balls, for instance, are notoriously difficult to recycle, with millions produced each year. It is estimated that when these balls are no longer usable, they are often incinerated or sent to landfills, where their rubber content can take over 400 years to decompose. The students recognized this issue and decided to take action, transforming a classroom discussion into a community-wide effort aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability in sports.

Months of planning culminated in this record-breaking event. The students began their project eight months prior, placing collection containers at local courts to gather used balls from players. The community responded positively, contributing to the collection effort and expressing relief at the prospect of recycling options for their used sports equipment. This grassroots approach not only rallied support from fellow students but also educated the community about the importance of sustainability in sports.

The broader implications of this initiative extend well beyond the immediate achievement of a Guinness World Record. By diverting over 22,000 sports balls from landfills, the students and their partners are advocating for a more sustainable approach to sports. Sheila Morovati, Founder and CEO of Habits of Waste, emphasized the importance of rethinking accepted norms regarding waste in sports. The initiative aims to inspire similar efforts globally, advocating for policies and infrastructure that support sustainability in sporting activities.

Looking ahead, the success of this event marks just the beginning of a larger movement for sports sustainability. The students of Another Bounce and their partners are committed to raising awareness about the waste generated by sports and encouraging further action within their communities. As they celebrate their achievement, they are also focused on future initiatives that will continue to promote recycling and responsible waste management, potentially influencing sports practices on a global scale.