According to the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), two million tons of carpet end up in a landfill yearly. Many homeowners are unaware of their carpet disposal options. Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design strives to be a leader in planet-friendly practices, and therefore, we participate in a carpet recycling program. If you're wondering: is carpet recycleable and how to recycle carpet flooring, you've come to the right place. When you're ready for new flooring, visit our carpet store in Akron, OH offering eco-friendly brands from Mohawk Industries and Shaw Industries.
Table of Contents
- Why is it important to recycle old carpet?
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How to recycle old carpet
- Can you recycle carpet padding?
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Carpet recycling organizations leading the effort to reduce waste
- CARE: Carpet America Recovery Effort
- CPSI & EPR
- Eco-friendly carpet brand spotlight: Mohawk
- Find new carpet flooring and practice sustinability with Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design
Why is it important to recycle old carpet?
Carpeting can release hazardous environmental materials, including perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) and flame retardants. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems in children. PFAS, in particular, are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in our bodies over time. Flame retardants, while intended to increase fire safety, have also raised concerns due to their potential toxicity and persistence in the environment. As consumers become more aware of the potential risks associated with these chemicals, there is growing demand for carpets made with safer, more sustainable materials.
How to recycle old carpet
Recycling old carpet might not be as straightforward as tossing it in your curbside bin, but it's a worthwhile effort to reduce waste and conserve resources. Start by contacting your local flooring retailer like Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design. Many have established partnerships with recycling facilities or offer take-back programs for old carpet. If your retailer doesn't offer recycling, check with your local waste management company or utilize online resources like Earth911's recycling center locator to find a nearby facility that accepts carpet.
Before taking your carpet to a recycling center, ensure it's clean and dry. You may need to separate the carpet from the padding, as some facilities accept only one or the other. Be sure to inquire about specific requirements or fees associated with carpet recycling at your chosen facility. Remember, recycling your old carpet is a responsible choice that helps divert waste from landfills and contributes to a more sustainable future.
Can you recycle carpet padding?
Yes, carpet padding is also recyclable, depending on the material. Most carpet padding is made of foam, which can be recycled into new carpet padding or other products like furniture cushioning or insulation. However, not all recycling centers accept carpet padding, so it's important to check with your local facility to see if they have a program in place.
If your local recycling center doesn't accept carpet padding, there are other options for disposing of it responsibly. Some flooring retailers have recycling programs where they will pick up your old carpet and padding and send it to a recycling facility. Alternatively, you can check with organizations like the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), which works to promote carpet recycling and can help you find a local recycler.
Carpet recycling organizations leading the effort to reduce waste
CARE: Carpet America Recovery Effort
Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a joint industry-government non-profit aiming to develop recycling solutions. Because of the work of CARE, this floorings' recycling industry is consistently growing, and new market-based solutions are being developed. Today, there are carpet recyclers in many states, and some of these businesses are located in Ohio.
CPSI & EPR
CPSI developed a legislative model for soft surface EPR to guide state legislators who create recycling laws. EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, is a mandatory policy that requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the disposal of their products.
Eco-friendly carpet brand spotlight: Mohawk
Mohawk Industries is one of the companies that produce carpeting made of recycled plastic beverage bottles, and you can find these brands at Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design. The EverStrand carpet collection features up to 100 percent recycled content or 63 reclaimed bottles per yard of material. SmartStrand carpeting includes corn sugar, a renewable material.
Find new carpet flooring and practice sustinability with Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design
Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design installs carpet in Akron, OH, Copley, Hartville, North Canton, Uniontown, and other nearby towns and cities. We are so confident of the skill of our installation team that we back every carpet installation with a lifetime warranty. Please stop by our showroom in Akron today to compare carpet styles, or use our online form to request a free virtual consultation.
