TECHNICAL U P D AT E
By Greg Rhodes Feature writer
FORWARD THINKING
In the second of our two-part series, we look at the current – and likely – options for recycling and re-use of synthetic pitches
A
rtificial turf has been around for more than 50 years and has a typical life expectancy of 10 years, so large quantities of played-out carpet need to be repurposed, recycled or disposed of each year. In the UK, as elsewhere, concerns centre around the disposal and re-use of first-, secondand older third-generation synthetic turf pitches, and the growth of hybrid playing surfaces further complicates the recycling picture because of the need to separate elements such as rootzone from the plastic fibre reinforcement. 22 THE GROUNDSMAN April 2019
Transporting played-out carpet and other components to a recycling plant is costlier than alternatives such as incinerating – and given that the number of incinerators is set to nearly double across the UK, recent figures suggest, burning could become a more likely option.
COUNTING COSTS
Replacement costs can be cut by retaining the shockpads, which should last for the lifetime of two carpets, suggests Alastair Cox of Alastair Cox Associates, an internationally-recognised expert
“California, Scandanavia and New England are proactive. If the UK generates sufficient waste, such plants could be built here” in the sector who runs an independent consultancy specialising in sports surfaces and facilities, and is facilities manager for the International Hockey Federation as well as technical consultant to the European Synthetic Turf Council.