Recycling your carpet is a great alternative to throwing it in the trash, helping to prevent landfill buildup and improve your environmental footprint. Our guide walks you through how to do it, from finding local recycling facilities to exploring eco-friendly carpet options for your next flooring project.
Preparing Your Carpet for Recycling
You’ll need to prepare your carpet before recycling it. Here’s what to do:
- Removing tacks and staples: Remove all tacks, staples, and other metal fasteners. These materials can damage recycling equipment and contaminate the recycled materials. Use pliers or a pry bar to carefully remove these items, making sure you don’t leave any behind.
- Cutting carpet into manageable pieces: Most recycling facilities prefer carpets to be cut into smaller, more manageable pieces. Use a utility knife to cut your carpet into sections no larger than 6 feet by 6 feet. This makes transportation easier and helps streamline the recycling process at the facility.
Methods of Carpet Recycling
Carpet recycling employs various techniques to break down and repurpose old carpets. The two primary methods used in the industry are mechanical recycling and chemical recycling.
Chemical Recycling
Chemical recycling uses solvents or other chemical processes to break down carpet fibers into their original chemical components. This method is particularly useful for nylon carpets, as the reclaimed nylon can be used to create new high-quality carpet fibers. While more complex than mechanical recycling, this process can yield higher-quality recycled materials.
Mechanical Recycling
Mechanical recycling involves physically breaking down the carpet into its parts. The carpet is first shredded and then separated into fibers and backing material. The reclaimed fibers can be used to make new carpets or other textile products, while the backing material may be used in composite lumber or as fuel in cement kilns.
Where To Recycle Your Old Carpet
Here are some options to think about when looking for carpet recycling facilities in your area.
- Local recycling centers: Start by checking with your local recycling centers or waste management facilities. Some may accept carpets for recycling or be able to direct you to specialized carpet recycling facilities in your area. Remember that there may be a small fee associated with carpet recycling, typically ranging from 5–25 cents per pound of carpet.
- Manufacturer take-back programs: Many carpet manufacturers have implemented take-back programs to recycle their products. For example, Shaw Industries operates a recycling facility in Augusta, Georgia, that accepts certain types of carpets for recycling. Similarly, Flor allows customers to ship old carpet tiles back to their recycling facilities free of charge. Check with your carpet’s manufacturer to see if they offer a similar program.
Alternatives To Recycling Carpet
If recycling options are limited in your area, think about these alternatives to keep your old carpet out of the landfill.
- Donating usable carpet: If your carpet is still in good condition, donate it to local charities, thrift stores, or habitat restoration projects. Some organizations may accept gently used carpets for resale or to help furnish homes for those in need.
- Repurposing old carpet: Get creative with your old carpet by repurposing it for various uses around your home. Old carpets can be used to make pet beds, door mats, or even garden mulch. You can also use small pieces as padding for furniture legs to protect your floors.
Eco-Friendly Carpet Options for Your Home
When it’s time to replace your old carpet, choose eco-friendly options that are easier to recycle or contain recycled content.
- Carpets made from recycled materials: Many manufacturers now offer carpets made from recycled materials. For example, Mohawk’s EverStrand carpet fiber incorporates PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from recycled plastic bottles, using 100% post-consumer recycled content. Milliken’s Tesserae carpet tile incorporates 33% recycled content.
- Easily recyclable carpet types: Some carpet types are designed to be more easily recyclable at the end of their life. Look for carpets made from single materials, such as 100% nylon or 100% polyester, as these are generally easier to recycle than mixed-fiber carpets. Carpet tiles can also be a good option, as they allow for easy replacement of worn areas and are often more readily recyclable.
Government and Policy Support
Several states have launched Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, requiring manufacturers to take accountability for their products throughout their lifecycle, including disposal and recycling. This legislation mandates that carpet producers establish and contribute to funding recycling programs, which helps cover the costs associated with carpet collection and processing. The EPA’s “Carpet Stewardship Program” also provides a framework for policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers to collaborate on increasing carpet recycling rates and developing more sustainable carpet products.
Collaboration With Retailers and Installers
Retailers can offer recycling information and services to customers at the point of purchase, while installers can help remove and prepare old carpets for recycling. In some cases, retailers and installers may even work together to transport the carpets to recycling facilities on behalf of the customer, providing a full-circle service that simplifies the entire process. This collaborative approach can significantly increase carpet recycling rates and make sure that more carpets are diverted from landfills.
Incentives for Consumers
To bolster participation in recycling programs, some regions and manufacturers are providing incentives to consumers. These incentives may include offering rebates for returning used carpets, providing discounts on new purchases when old carpets are recycled, or even holding community recycling events where residents can drop off their carpets at no cost. These measures are designed to encourage ethical disposal and support the carpet recycling infrastructure by providing a steady supply of processing materials.
