Carpet and Rugs

Have you ever wondered what to do with your unwanted, old, worn out carpets and rugs? There are more sustainable options available when it comes to reuse or recycling them, rather then sending them to landfill.

Can carpets and rugs be recycled?

Yes, carpets and rugs can indeed be recycled. However, it's important to note that not all recycling facilities accept them due to their complicated structure. Carpets are typically made up of various materials such as nylon, polyester, wool, and synthetic fibres, which can cause challenges when it comes to recycling. Luckily most carpet shops will remove the old carpet after fitting the new ones.

How are carpets recycled?

Once collected, old carpets and rugs  undergo a series of processes to separate the different materials. These materials are then cleaned, shredded, and sometimes melted down to be used in the production of new products and materials such as underlay, insulation, or even new carpets. 

Donating carpets and rugs in a good condition

If your carpet or rug is still in good condition, consider donating it to local charities, family or friends or even give them away on platforms such as freecycle or Gumtree. This way, you can give it a second life and help someone in need while also reducing waste. If your carpets have seen better days, you could consider one of the following:

• If you have plans for a garden pond, old carpet can be placed under the liner, to protect it from sharp stones
• Carpet can be used for insulating compost heaps, so if you know a keen gardener or someone with an allotment, they may be interested in taking it off your hands
• Rugs could be used to reupholster or upcycle furniture, saving both the rug and furniture from landfill

Why is it good to recycle old and used carpet and rugs?

Choosing to recycle or donating your old carpets will have a positive impact on the environment, while also reducing the unnecessary waste sent to landfill.

If you have any great ideas when it comes to the reuse of old carpets and rugs, get in touch to let us know!