How to Recycle and Upcycle Your Trampoline

August 29, 2024 · Latest News

Jumpflex trampolines provide years and years of enjoyment, but we don’t always think about what to do with them when the family is fully grown and it is time for your trampoline to move on (although we’d love you to keep it forever!). 

Since sustainability is one of our core values at Jumpflex, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you responsibly find a new home for your old trampoline, no matter the path you choose. 

Trampolines consist of various components and materials, each serving a unique purpose, which should be addressed individually when it comes to recycling or upcycling. Perhaps your trampoline is still in good shape but requires some repairs or a bit of care before you can sell it.

In this article, you'll find:

  • Recycling Tips
  • Upcycling Tips
  • Selling Tips
  • FAQ’s

How To Recycle A Trampoline: A Step-by-Step Guide

As we’ve touched on, the parts of a trampoline are made up of different materials. As such, your options for recycling each component will vary.

Below this paragraph is a guideline to help clarify the most common trampoline part materials. Please note that this table is applicable to Jumpflex trampolines. If your trampoline is by a different manufacturer, please use this as a general overview and contact your trampoline manufacturer directly for more detailed information.

Jumpflex Trampoline Recycling Table 

 Trampoline Part Material Recommendation
Frame Galvanized steel Metal
Mat

Mat: Polypropylene (PP)

Metal D-rings: Metal 

Metal
Springs High tensile steel magnesium spring Metal
Enclosure

Enclosure: Polyethylene (PE)

Poles: Galvanized Steel

Pole sleeves: PVC

Pole padding: EPE-foam

Enclosure: plastic

Poles: metal

Pole sleeves: plastic

Pole padding: mixed waste

Padding

Padding cover: PVC 

Padding foam: EPE-foam

Padding cover: Plastic

Padding foam: mixed waste

*Always check and recycle according to your local recycling guidelines

All of the products in Jumpflex’s range are tested against harmful chemicals, and we have purposely made sure that none of our products contain any harmful chemicals or materials - with specific testing against lead (Pb) content. 

Jumpflex trampolines are also manufactured using a patented weld free, bolt free process. This approach of removing the use of welding, further enhances Jumpflex’s eco-friendly reputation. Other trampoline manufacturers who do use welding, see certain gases produced during the welding process, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which can unfortunately contribute to climate change.

Jumpflex trampolines are impressively 99% recyclable. This commitment to sustainability is central to Jumpflex's philosophy. We craft high-quality trampolines designed to last for years. With proper maintenance, a Jumpflex trampoline can easily serve you for decades, which is a significant advantage over more basic, budget models.

The recycling guide above applies specifically to Jumpflex trampolines, though the materials might vary depending on your location and the trampoline’s origin. Before visiting your recycling center, check their guidelines to ensure they can accept all the parts. They may also offer tips on how to disassemble your trampoline to make it easier to recycle.

If some components aren’t accepted at your local center, think about how you can repurpose them. Upcycling or selling those parts could be a good alternative.

How to recycle trampoline springs?

Trampoline springs are built to be durable since they need to handle the impact of constant bouncing. Most recycling centers will take metal springs, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm so you don’t waste a trip.

In some cases, you might also consider selling your springs to a scrapyard if you have enough weight to make it worthwhile. However, keep in mind that some trampolines use carbon fibre rods or bungee rope springs instead of metal ones, and unfortunately, these cannot always be recycled.

Trampoline Springs

How to recycle your trampoline mat?

Trampoline mats are made from woven fibers, and depending on the material, recycling your mat can be relatively straightforward. Polypropylene woven fiber, for instance, is easy to recycle since it contains plastic, making recycling the most efficient way to ensure the material is responsibly disposed of after you retire your trampoline.

Another common material used in trampoline mats is nylon. Like polypropylene, nylon also contains plastic, so recycling is the preferred option. To avoid any hassle, it's a good idea to call your recycling center ahead of time to confirm whether they accept polypropylene or nylon, based on the type of mat you have.

 

Jumpflex Trampoline

How to recycle a trampoline frame?

Jumpflex trampoline frames (and most high quality ones) are constructed from galvanized steel, which is treated to resist corrosion and rust, making it durable in various weather conditions.

You can recycle this metal by taking it to a recycling center that accepts steel, or consider bringing it to a nearby scrapyard. Be sure to check if your frame meets the scrapyard's minimum weight requirement, and you might even earn some extra cash in the process!

Jumpflex Ladder

How to recycle the trampoline safety net and poles?

Trampoline netting, poles, their sleeves, and padding are all composed of different materials. It's important to remember this when selecting a recycling center, as they may not accept all types of materials.

In particular, the foam padding around the poles is made from Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) foam, which is recyclable, but only at certain centres.

Once again, planning ahead is crucial. By contacting the center in advance, you can confirm if they will take each material. If they don’t, you can explore alternative options to ensure the leftover materials are handled sustainably.

Trampoline Safety Net

How To Upcycle? Trampoline Repurposing Ideas

If the idea of traditional recycling doesn’t appeal to you, or if your local recycling center doesn’t accept some of your trampoline’s materials, don’t worry.

Thanks to the creativity and inspiration available online, there are plenty of ideas to fuel your enthusiasm for repurposing. Pinterest is an excellent resource, especially for DIY enthusiasts. With visuals to guide you, you can redesign elements for your garden without the hassle of dealing with recycling limitations.

Of course, any ideas you choose to implement are at your own risk, so be sure to exercise caution and a bit of common sense as you bring your backyard vision to life!

Here are some of our favorite ideas that we’ve found!

Hen House

A secure hen house is essential for keeping your hens safe if you want to have them in your garden. A large hen enclosure can be quite costly, but with a bit of clever upcycling of your used trampoline, it is a great way of avoiding cost. The hens can live happily within the boundary of the wired-in trampoline, and the mat serves the purpose of a sunshade if you’re in a hot country.Your whole trampoline and all the separate parts can be repurposed in different ways, right down to the safety net and poles!

Hen House Using Trampoline Parts

Hanging Pot Frame

A simple and effective way to utilize your old trampoline frame is to prop it up against a wall, and use springs to create a pot hanging frame. We love this look, as you embed the frame in the ground, it gives a really nice finish, while also allowing vines/creepers to surround the entire frame. 

Trampoline Frame with Hanging Plants

Movie Screen

This one is great for those warm summer nights! Simply use your circular trampoline frame, springs and jumping mat as a backdrop for movies by projector (sorry, you will need a projector!). Simply spray paint the jumping mat using white paint (or you could use a white sheet), then your old trampoline transforms into the perfect screen for your family and friends to enjoy movies under the stars!

Trampoline Mat as Movie Screen

Arbor

An Arbor is something that is used as a feature of the landscape, that is often used to grow climbing plants onto. In the picture below, we can see that they have used their trampoline to act as a shade cover to a seating area. Once the plant grows over the poles this will look perfect, very innovative, and a great use of unused poles!

Trampoline Parts used to make Arbor

Consider selling a trampoline

Jumpflex trampolines are designed to be in tip-top condition for decades. With the correct care, TLC and new parts (at the right time) - the trampoline will remain as good as new for years to come. However, if for whatever reason you don’t need it anymore and recyclcing/upcycling isn’t an option, then you may be considering selling it.

Luckily if this is the case, Jumpflex trampolines often hold their value if they have been properly maintained. Before you think about putting your trampoline up for sale though, why not check out our article on trampoline care and maintenance? We want to make sure you get the best price for our quality trampoline if you do decide to sell. Also if needed, you can check out our spare parts in the following link: Buy Spare Parts

Recycling a trampoline - Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of an old trampoline? 
There are several ways to recycle a trampoline. Begin by dismantling the trampoline, part by part. Afterward, call your local recycling center to confirm which parts are recyclable. If some aren’t, they may be suitable for the scrapyard – depending on the material. However, you can also consider selling.

Can you sell an old trampoline?
Yes, depending on the condition of your trampoline you may wish to sell. This is especially true if you’re the owner of an Jumpflex trampoline, as Jumpflex take pride in creating quality products that are made to last. You may want to give your trampoline any required maintenance before posting your trampoline for sale, whether online or otherwise, so you can agree on a fair price.

What can I do with old trampoline springs? 
Trampoline springs are versatile and often can be recycled. However there are a number of other innovative ways that they can be used for everything from hanging plants, to securing a chicken coop, securing protective netting around flower beds/herb gardens/vegetable patches to offer protection from rodents or other animals, as well as being used to secure other backyard fixtures like hammocks or porch swings.

What metal is a trampoline frame made of? 
The material used to make the trampoline frame varies greatly. A trampoline frame that is made of galvanised steel, like Jumpflex trampolines, are corrosive resistant. This is what protects your frame from rusting and gives the frame the strength to withstand strong weather. This steel can usually be recycled or else taken to the scrapyard.