Each year 400,000 tonnes of waste carpet are sent to landfill sites, so whilst carpet recycling may not be the first thing you think about when you buy new flooring, it is an excellent way of putting waste to good use. Carpet recycling not only reduces the amount of this waste going to landfill, but also makes available the materials for reuse.
Carpet recycling usually involves shredding the materials for use as products such as sports surfaces and plastic items. Some Local Authorities have carpet recycling collection points so it is worth checking with them as to whether this is available in your area. This is of particular use for old, dirty or damaged carpets, but there are also other ways of recycling them. They can make good mulch for gardens, for example, or be used to keep your compost bin warm in winter! Carpets in good condition or off-cuts could be donated to a furniture re-use project or community project. They could also be cut small to make doormats or to go under heavy furniture.
In 2007 Carpet Recycling was set up to boost carpet recycling rates, and is a trade association made up of manufacturers, retailers and recyclers of carpets. Visit their website for more information.
For some interesting alternative suggestions on recycling carpets visit the How Can I Recycle This? website.
Source: www.carpetrecyclinguk.com 2011
