Recycle Your Carpet
When Kim and I went to Georgia to see the unveiling of Shaw’s new Tigressa carpet, I really knew very little about carpet except that ours has not stood the test of time or kids! In addition to seeing some beautiful and durable carpet, Shaw really opened my eyes to the potential for waste and negative environmental impact of discarded carpet. It had never occurred to me that once the carpet goes the the dump, it stays…FOREVER! Shaw is making a big effort to improve the sustainability of carpet through the re-use and recycling of their carpets. I feel as though I am a pretty environmentally conscious person and was thankful that Shaw opened my eyes to a new way for me to be kind to our Earth.
WHY Recycling Carpet is Important
Why recycle, you ask? Over 5 billion pounds of carpet are discarded each year into US landfills and, once there, it does not break down. A majority of that carpet is made of nylon, a petroleum based product, and while durable, can have a negative impact on the environment. If recycled, that carpet can be turned into new carpet, auto parts, carpet pads, sound barriers and more! In addition, Shaw is using carpet to help fuel their new Evergreen Nylon recycling plant. So, why not recycle??
WHAT can be Recycled
Most companies require that carpet must be dry, free of debris or solvents, and meet some specifications. Not all carpet/materials can be recycled, but the following can be (although may be more or less limited according to the specific company):
- N6 (nylon 6)
- N66 (must be prequalified)
- Polypropylene
- PET fiber
- Foam padding/ rebonding
- Carpet tile (must be prequalified)
- Cardboard cores
- Clear plastic bags (from padding)
HOW to Recycle Carpet
While the idea of carpet recycling is still relatively new, there are lots of recycling companies who will recycle your old carpet, although it typically will cost you a relatively small amount.
Check out these sights for companies in your area:
In addition to contacting a recycling company to dispose of your carpet, many carpet manufacturers will recycle your old carpet for you if purchasing new carpet from them. If buying new carpet, remember to buy only carpet that is sustainable and able to be re-used and recycled at the end of its life in your home. Also, look for carpet that uses recycled materials (rather than continuing our dependance on oil/petroleum). When buying new carpet, if not buying from a manufacturer that will recycle for free, ask the retailer about local options.
Check out these carpet manufacturers for more information on buying carpet made from recycled materials and/or feature free carpet recycling with purchase:
Happy Recycling!
What do you think? Have you investigated carpet recycling options?
Images courtesy of Mykl Roventine and Shaw Floors.
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June 21st, 2010 5:05 pm
Like you, I’ve never thought about the environmental impact of carpeting but I’m not surprised it stays in the landfill forever… this is a very responsible post, thanks!