The city of Västerås has about ten artificial turf and the utilization rate is much higher compared to the turf.
Therefore, it is seen that the artificial turf fulfills an important function for exercise and for public health.
- On an artificial turf, we get 1,500-2,000 hours of training time in a year, compared to about 300 hours on a natural lawn, says Tomas Gahm.
More plans are needed
Västerås is growing and according to Tomas Gahm, more artificial turf is needed to meet an increased need for training and spontaneous sports.
- They are incredibly important for our associations and their development, but also for the general health of everyone and spontaneous sports.
People are here all the time and run and kick the ball, says Tomas Gahm.
Microplaster
On Västerås artificial turf, there are now traps where the plastic granulate gets stuck and on outgoing water there are filters that take what has still managed to slip past.
A consultant report that has been made shows that the system is very efficient and no plastic granules go further into watercourses and Lake Mälaren.
But to some extent, the plastic still goes outside the plans.
Therefore, the city's plan for the artificial turf you have is now being revised.
Among other things, they want to get a better purification of granules to be able to recycle more and ensure that vehicles that have worked on the plans do not take plastic to other areas.
It is also about information to clubs and the general public to prevent players from bringing plastic home in shoes and clothes.
- We have away stations and inform players and leaders how to do so that the granulate does not come home, because it can actually do it, says Tomas Gahm.