Question 1

What is Leisure Loop?

Accepted Answer

Leisure Loop is a pioneering recycling scheme that addresses swimming equipment waste by transforming used swim gear—like caps, goggles, and foam items—into recycled plastic panels. These panels are used to create durable, eco-friendly changing rooms, giving swim equipment a second life within the leisure industry.

Question 2

Why can’t swim equipment be recycled through conventional methods?

Accepted Answer

Most swim equipment is made from mixed plastic polymers or foam, which are complex materials that standard recycling facilities cannot process. Leisure Loop provides the specialised infrastructure needed to recycle these materials and keep them out of landfill.

Question 3

How does Leisure Loop support a circular economy?

Accepted Answer

Leisure Loop turns discarded swim gear into recycled plastic panels, which are used to build changing rooms. At the end of their lifecycle, these materials can be recycled again, keeping resources within the swimming industry and reducing waste.

Question 4

What are the environmental benefits of joining Leisure Loop?

Accepted Answer

"By joining the Leisure Loop recycling network, pools can reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and support a free, nationwide recycling program for all UK swimmers. Each piece of swim gear recycled—once destined for landfill—now contributes to a more sustainable future for the leisure industry."

Question 5

How does Leisure Loop calculate carbon savings for participating pools?

Accepted Answer

Each collection of swim equipment recycled through Leisure Loop is automatically tracked, with carbon savings calculated based on the quantity and type of materials recycled. These insights can be shared with pool operators to highlight their environmental impact.

Click here to calculate your carbon savings

Question 6

Can any UK swimming pool join Leisure Loop?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Leisure Loop is designed for pools across the UK. By joining, pools help build an accessible, nationwide recycling network for all swimmers, making it easier to reduce environmental impact.

Question 7

How does Leisure Loop educate the next generation about sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Leisure Loop supports environmental education through in-pool lessons that teach young swimmers about recycling and sustainable practices. As part of our Leisure Loop membership, we provide a lesson plan toolkit that allows pools to teach the next generation of swimmers about sustainability in a fun and engaging way. These resources help children understand the importance of protecting the environment from an early age.

Question 8

What types of 'pool waste' can be recycled through Leisure Loop?

Accepted Answer

Leisure Loop can recycle a range of swim equipment, including swim caps, goggles, poolside gear, and foam floats... Basically if it's used in a swimming pool we can typically recycle it. However, we do not accept normal refuse waste such as bottles, wrappers etc. That's why we coined the term 'Pool waste'.

If you’re unsure about a specific item, our team can advise on its recyclability.

Question 9

How can I get started with Leisure Loop?

Accepted Answer

If you’re a pool operator, joining Leisure Loop is easy! Contact our team to set up a recycling point at your facility and start contributing to a sustainable future. Click here

If you’re a swimmer looking to recycle your pool waste, use our map to find your nearest Leisure Loop recycling point and drop off your items. Click here to view our map!

Frequently asked questions