How Artificial Grass is Recycled ♻️
A step-by-step guide to the new sustainable recycling process
By Gavin Hall
Published: 3rd December, 2025
A New Era for Artificial Grass Recycling
Artificial grass is popular for its durability and low maintenance, but what happens when it wears out? For years, old turf ended up in landfill — but not anymore.
Today, with the emergence of modern recycling facilities artificial grass made from polypropylene (PP) can be fully recycled, turning it into reusable plastic pellets for new products. This innovation means your old synthetic lawn can now be given a second life. It is our intention to offer artificial grass recycling to all our customers once these facilities are locally available.
Step 1: Uplift and Collection
When it’s time to replace your artificial lawn, it’s carefully lifted and rolled up into sections. Before removal, sand, dust and leaves etc are brushed or vacuumed out to reduce contamination.
The turf is then transported to a dedicated artificial grass recycling facility.
Step 2: Shredding and Size Reduction
Once it arrives at the facility, the turf is fed into industrial shredders that cut it into small pieces. This helps expose both the polypropylene fibres and backing, making them easier to clean and process.
Step 3: Cleaning and Contaminant Removal
The shredded turf enters a washing system where soil, dust, and other impurities are removed. Water and friction scrub the material clean, while separation tanks allow sand and rubber to settle out.
Clean polypropylene fragments are then rinsed and dried, ready for processing.
Step 4: Separation and Purification
Even though both the fibres and backing are polypropylene, there may still be adhesives or colouring layers attached. Recycling facilities use density separation and air classification to isolate pure PP particles and remove contaminants.
This stage ensures a clean, uniform feedstock for reprocessing.
Step 5: Extrusion and Pelletising
The clean polypropylene is melted down in an extruder and reshaped into pellets or granules, known as regranulate.
These pellets are valuable raw materials used to manufacture new products such as:
- garden furniture
- piping and containers
- playground equipment
- even new artificial grass backing
Step 6: Reuse and Circular Economy
Recycling polypropylene artificial grass provides significant environmental gains:
- Diverts tonnes of plastic waste from landfill
- Reduces demand for virgin polypropylene
- Cuts carbon emissions from new plastic production
- Encourages a sustainable circular economy
Summary: The Artificial Grass Recycling Process
Step
Process
Outcome
1
Turf Uplift and Collection
Turf Sent to Facility
2
Shredding
Smaller PP pieces
3
Cleaning
Removal of sand & dirt
4
Separation
Pure polypropylene
5
Extrusion & pelletising
Recycled plastic granules
6
Reuse
New sustainable products
Recycling artificial grass made from polypropylene is now a real, scalable solution. By choosing to recycle instead of discard, you’re helping reduce plastic waste and support a greener planet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Grass Recycling
1. Can artificial grass really be recycled?
Yes. Artificial grass made from polypropylene (PP) can now be fully recycled. Specialised recycling facilities separate, clean, and melt down the materials to create new plastic products.
2. What happens to old artificial turf after recycling?
Once recycled, the artificial grass is turned into plastic pellets. These pellets are reused in manufacturing — for example, to make new turf backing, garden furniture, or construction materials.
3. How is polypropylene grass different from other types?
Polypropylene grass is easier to recycle than mixed-material turf because both the fibres and backing are made from the same plastic type. This simplifies the process and produces cleaner, higher-quality recycled output.
4. Can I recycle my old garden turf myself?
Not at home — artificial grass needs to be processed using industrial shredders, washing systems, and extrusion lines. You’ll need to contact a specialist recycling service or a local waste management company that handles synthetic turf.
5. Why is it important to recycle artificial grass?
Recycling reduces plastic waste, prevents landfill pollution, and conserves energy and natural resources. It’s a key step toward a circular economy in landscaping and sports surface management.
6. Where can I recycle artificial grass in the UK?
Several UK facilities now accept used artificial turf for recycling. Many turf suppliers and waste contractors also offer collection and recycling schemes — check with your local council or recycling partner for availability in your area.
I have a large piece of artificial lawn to recycle.
I am not sure what it is made of.
Could you give me some advice, please.
Thank you
Sarah Sowambur
Hi Sarah , unfortunately its only in the last few years we have been producing artificial grass made of one single plastic polymer which enables the potential to recycle. However the recycling plants are still not really readily available , and when they are it will be a question of large bale collections rather than back garden size pieces. The probability is that your old grass will be made of two separate polymers and therefore not re-cyclable.
However, a lot of animal charities like the use of old grass, however its a question of getting in contact and you will have to get it to them, please note old grass is very heavy and will not easily be rolled up and moved.