Recycled glass has proved itself to be an excellent alternative to traditional
sand on the golf course, according to research carried out by the Sports Turf
Research Institute (STRI) and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme).
The two-year research project was funded by WRAP to find out if sand derived
from recycled glass will give comparable performance to good quality sands
already used throughout the sports turf industry.
Results from the nine-month golf and rootzone field trials showed that when
used in bunkers, the recycled glass derived sand demonstrated a better
performance level due to the firmer footing underneath, less plugging of the
ball, a steeper angle of repose and reduced slumping.
Compared with traditional sand as a rootzone or top dressing, the recycled
glass derived sand also held its own. Laboratory tests carried out during the
trial showed that the rootzone mixes conform to all the necessary performance
requirements.
Capable of complying with USGA specifications, the green glass sand is also
beneficial for greenkeepers when used as a top dressing around divots, as it
blends into the ground better than traditional sand, providing an even look to
the course.
WRAP’s materials sector manager for Glass, Andy Dawe comments: “The trial
undertaken by the STRI has been very successful, confirming that recycled glass derived sand is a quality alternative to traditional sand. At the same time,
it offers greenkeepers a sustainable, quality product, as well as a way to
demonstrate their environmental awareness and responsibility.”
Further trials are to be carried out following these findings to discover
performance potential when using differing ratios of sand to glass derived from
sand.
The results of the research and trial were recently disseminated to invited
guests at an event held at the STRI in July. Guests included representatives
from the Greenkeepers Training Committee, the English Golf Union, BIGGA and the European Institute of Golf Course Architects.
Contacts: Jack Guinness, Materials Project Officer (Glass and Paper)
Office: 01295 819904 E-mail: jacks.guinness@wrap.org.uk.
WRAP www.wrap.org.uk
Recycled glass makes great bunker ‘sand‘
