Where do those pellets go?

Even with a perimeter drain, those pesky pellets escape from the field area.

In Europe, attention on micro plastics from artificial turf pitches is increasing.

"Artificial turf pitches “are a substantial source of microplastics to the environment”, between 18,000 and 72,000 tones per year, and according to ECHA (European Chemical Agency) the infill material used in this facility -small pieces of end-of-life tyres- falls under the definition of “intentionally added microplastics.”

Although artificial turfs used for sports practice are considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to grass as they are often made out of recycled plastics and allow to reduce the use of water in the pitches, their ecological impact could be important too.

After an investigation launched in 2018, ECHA decided to propose an EU-wide restriction of the use of intentionally added microplastics aimed at avoiding the release of 400,000 tones of micro-plastics within 20 years.

Artificial turfs would be affected by restrictive measures if ever agreed. However, “neither ECHA nor the European Commission is proposing that these pitches should be closed,” the EU body clarified.

Actually, ECHA launched a public consultation on the socio-economic impact of phasing out microplastic infill material, including the need to use alternative substances on existing pitches “such as cork, coconut fibre, olive cores or other alternative materials.” From: https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/eu-will-not-ban-artificial-turf-pitches-but-could-impose-restrictions/

Improved design and maintenance practices can help keep pellets on the field.