The amount of carpet diverted from landfill increased last year, according to figures from Carpet Recycling UK.
In 2011, 16.5 per cent of carpet was diverted away from landfill compared to 10 per cent in 2011. This means that 66,000 tonnes of carpet was not sent to landfill last year.
Of this, 32,000 tonnes was recycled or reused, while 34,000 tonnes was sent for energy recovery. This meant that 48 per cent of carpet was recycled compared to 33 per cent in 2010 as new carpet recycling outlets have emerged and established carpet recycling companies grown.
Carpet Recycling UK director Laurance Bird said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and testament to the on-going commitment and consistent effort of all throughout the supply chain to make carpet recycling and diversion of this bulky waste from landfill a positive reality.
“It is encouraging to see the growth in the use of carpet fibres for equestrian surfaces and felts. There are now 32 specialist outlets contributing to these total diversion routes.”
Carpet Recycling UK has 12 core founder members and is managed by Axion Consulting.
