Sustainability - USTA Southern California
“At USTA Southern California, sustainability isn’t just a project or a passing trend—it’s a commitment to protect the places where we play. By caring for our courts, communities, and environment, we’re ensuring that future generations can experience the same joy and connection through tennis—the world’s healthiest sport—that we do today.”
Banners to Bags

Saved 2.1K Pounds of Rubber

We have saved 2,100 pounds of rubber from entering landfills by upcycling 17,000+ tennis balls to be used in Laykold court resurfacing.

7K+ Cans Into 2.3K Trophies

By turning 7,000 tennis ball cans into trophies, we removed 500 pounds of polyethylene terephthalate plastic from waste streams.

900 Feet of Banners Into Bags

By partnering with Rewilder, we have converted 900 sq. feet of old vinyl banners into 400 one-of-a-kind upcycled zip pouches and tote bags.

Saved 2.1K Pounds of Rubber

We have saved 2,100 pounds of rubber from entering landfills by upcycling 17,000+ tennis balls to be used in Laykold court resurfacing.

7K+ Cans Into 2.3K Trophies

By turning 7,000+ tennis ball cans into trophies, we removed 345 pounds of polyethylene terephthalate plastic from waste streams.

900 Feet of Banners Into Bags

By partnering with Rewilder, we have converted have converted 900 sq. feet of vinyl banners into 400 one-of-a-kind upcycled zip pouches and tote bags.

Community

Playing our part starts with the communities we live in.

From recycling tennis balls to donating old tennis gear, we’re empowering our players to make lasting change and protect our planet.

Community

Playing our part starts with the communities we live in.

From recycling tennis balls to donating old tennis gear, we’re empowering our players to make lasting change and protect our planet.

Ball Swap Initiative

Our Ball Swap initiative—a circular program designed to extend the life of gently used tennis balls—is kicking off this year. Coaches and facilities can exchange old and unpressurized balls for lightly used balls in return, helping reduce waste while keeping quality play standards high.

Email jgrigaux@scta.usta.com if you would like to participate in the program!

Second Serve

Equipment Donation Initiative

Our Equipment Donation initiative extends the life of used tennis equipment by collecting gently used shoes, racquets, balls, and bags at USTA SoCal events, then redistributing them to players, school programs, and community organizations. 

During the 2026 US Open, we partnered with Second Serve to donate over 155 pairs of shoes, 200 racquets, and 2,000+ tennis balls to ten Title I high schools in Los Angeles. Players can donate items at tournament desks, ensuring their gear is given a second life rather than ending up in a landfill.

Let.Tennis

Tennis String Upcycling Initiative

Our partnership with Let.Tennis tackles one of the most overlooked waste streams in our sport: used tennis strings. Through collection bins at our SoCal Pro Series events and local facilities in SoCal, we’ve already gathered over 55 pounds of poly and co-poly string—which Let.Tennis will transform into performance t-shirts. 

Questions about our string collection process, or want to get your club involved? Visit Let.Tennis or email us at jgrigaux@scta.usta.com to learn more.

Green Sports Alliance

Joining the Green Sports Alliance

USTA SoCal is taking our environmental initiatives a step forward by joining the Green Sports Alliance (GSA)—a network that unites organizations across sports and entertainment to advance environmental and social responsibility through education, collaboration, and shared best practices.

We’re excited to elevate our sustainability efforts while growing the game we love.

Ball Swap Initiative

Our Ball Swap initiative—a circular program designed to extend the life of gently used tennis balls—is kicking off this year. Coaches and facilities can exchange old and unpressurized balls for lightly used balls in return, helping reduce waste while keeping quality play standards high.

Email jgrigaux@scta.usta.com if you would like to participate in the program!

Equipment Donation Initiative

Our Equipment Donation initiative extends the life of used tennis equipment by collecting gently used shoes, racquets, balls, and bags at USTA SoCal events, then redistributing them to players, school programs, and community organizations. 

During the 2026 US Open, we partnered with Second Serve to donate over 155 pairs of shoes, 200 racquets, and 2,000+ tennis balls to ten Title I high schools in Los Angeles. Players can donate items at tournament desks, ensuring their gear is given a second life rather than ending up in a landfill.

Tennis String Upcycling Initiative

Our partnership with Let.Tennis tackles one of the most overlooked waste streams in our sport: used tennis strings. Through collection bins at our SoCal Pro Series events and local facilities in SoCal, we’ve already gathered over 55 pounds of poly and co-poly string—which Let.Tennis will transform into performance t-shirts. 

Questions about our string collection process, or want to get your club involved? Visit Let.Tennis or email us at jgrigaux@scta.usta.com to learn more.

Joining the Green Sports Alliance

USTA SoCal is taking our environmental initiatives a step forward by joining the Green Sports Alliance (GSA)—a network that unites organizations across sports and entertainment to advance environmental and social responsibility through education, collaboration, and shared best practices.

We’re excited to elevate our sustainability efforts while growing the game we love.