Carpet Recycling UK is seeking to increase the reuse or recycling of the estimated 58 million carpet tiles that are pulled up from floors each year.
In 2011, an estimated 750,000 carpet tiles were reused or recycled representing a diversion rate of just 1.4 per cent.
In particular, it is targeting the facilities management (FM) sector through schemes such as DESSO’s nationwide collection and recycling take back programme and Greenstream Recycling’s national reuse/recycling collection for local social benefit.
In the first six months of this year, Greenstream Recycling has diverted 37,600m2 of carpet tiles from landfill via its site in South Wales and it has also opened a new branch in Wandsworth Prison in London.
Greenstream Recycling managing director Ellen Petts said: “Creating a second life for carpet tiles for low-income families/individuals in the UK provides the FM sector with a set of unique quantified social outputs that any other ‘waste option’ can’t beat.”
Carpet Recycling UK director Laurance Bird added: “We are very keen to hear from organisations who wish to recycle their unwanted carpet tiles as we can put them in touch with collection schemes, recyclers and outlets offering alternatives to landfill.
“Opportunities are growing for reuse, offering potential savings on disposal costs while contributing to organisations’ green procurement policies and eco credentials.”
