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Leesburg commissioners weigh tennis-ball recycling pilot, staff notes logistics and cost ambiguity
Summary
Staff told the commission a tennis-ball recycling program will begin with prepackaged bins; the supplier grinds balls into equestrian footing. The fee and long-term costs were discussed but not definitively resolved in the transcript.
Commission staff told the Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission that the town plans to launch a tennis-ball recycling program after a recent inquiry from a resident and the Environmental Advisory Commission.
Staff described the logistics: bins will be provided, each container holds about 200 balls, containers are pre-addressed and pre-stamped for UPS drop-off, and the supplier grinds used tennis balls into a granular product sometimes used in equestrian footing. Staff said the first shipment of containers was expected the day of the meeting and that the town will promote the program through social media.
Meeting participants discussed costs and destination. In the transcript a staff member said the program’s membership fee was “$6 a year.” Another participant later asked whether that was “$600 a year,” indicating ambiguity in the verbal record. Commissioners also asked whether the recycled product is sold to local equestrian centers or shipped to buyers; staff said the company sells the product and local buyers are possible but not guaranteed.
The commission did not vote on funding or formal adoption of the program at the meeting; staff described the program as an operational departmental initiative and said staff would proceed with initial implementation and outreach.
Commissioners asked staff to follow up with clearer written cost and procurement details for a future meeting.
