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Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by UDC Sports

Every day, artificial sports fields are in use across the United States. Most of these fields are expected to last for around ten years before they need to be replaced. However, what happens to these fields after they’re removed?

We’ll take a closer look at the process of removing an artificial sports field and what happens to the turf afterward. Spoiler alert: it’s not going to the landfill!

Artificial Turf Fields

Artificial turf is increasingly becoming the norm for sports fields, as it is more durable and requires less maintenance than natural grass. However, many artificial turf fields have been in existence, and at some point, they will need to be removed.

The process of removing an artificial turf field is surprisingly straightforward. The entire process can usually be completed in a day or two, depending on the size of the field.

A picture Artificial Sports Field Removal In 2022 of with Republic Sports

What Happens To The Turf?

Two decades ago, when the first artificial turf fields were installed, few people gave any thought to what would happen to the turf when it reached the end of its useful life. After all, the turf was expected to last for years, and there was no precedent for dealing with such material. However, as the years passed and the first generation of turf began to reach the end of its lifespan, buyers were left with a difficult question: what do we do with this material?

The answer is finally materializing, and our partners at ReTURF are providing part of the solution to this industry problem. ReTURF takes used artificial turf from sport fields and gives in a second life. This process keeps the turf out of landfills and reduces the need for new raw materials, saving energy and resources.

Recovered artificial turf offers a cost-effective alternative for surfacing sports, recreation, and leisure. Used turf is less expensive than new turf and has a different set of characteristics that make it well suited for certain applications.

A picture Artificial Sports Field Removal In 2022 of with Republic Sports

How We Work With Used Turf

UDC Sports is committed to environmental sustainability, and that commitment extends to our artificial turf field removal process. We partner with ReTurf, a company that specializes in responsibly reusing and recycling used turf.

ReTurf receives the turf and then inspects and repairs it before sending it to a variety of different end users. Some of the most common uses for recycled artificial turf are pet areas, playgrounds, and landscaping.

This process ensures that the turf stays out of landfills and helps to cut down on the production of new artificial turf, which requires significant amounts of energy and resources. UDC Sports is proud to partner with ReTurf in our efforts to reduce our environmental impact.

UDC Sports

UDC Sports is a premier provider of sports field and facility construction services with over 20 years of experience. We are experts in all aspects of sports facility construction, from site preparation to drainage to turf installation, regardless of the sport. We stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices, and our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unwavering, as evidenced by our 100% client satisfaction rating. With years of experience in product selection and project management, UDC Sports combines state-of-the-art construction materials and methods with a creative approach to turning client visions into reality. Whether you're building a 10,000 seat stadium or a backyard batting cage, we're here to make sure your vision is accomplished.