How to Help the Environment by Recycling Your Carpet

When it is time to get rid of your carpet many of us don’t think about recycling our carpet. You will usually just rip it up and throw it in the trash. If however you find that your carpet is still in pretty good shape you may be able to recycle it. Old carpet can be broken down and used for other products or to make new carpet. The hardest part is finding someone to come and take your carpet away. There is one company known as the Carpet America Recovery Effort or “CARE”. I was actually surprised to find that there is a company that actually looks for old carpet. This is not the only company that has a carpet recycling program.

You can start by looking in your local phone book for carpet companies. Give them a call and see if they take old carpets. Some companies will even come and pick them up for you. There are many carpet companies that have this type of recycling program. The main goal of all of these companies is to keep the carpet out of local landfills. In some cases they will tell you the type of carpet they take. If you are not sure what type of carpet it is, you can always cut out a small piece and take it to the carpet store for them to look at.

Remember that your carpet will need to be mold and mildew free in order for them to be able to use it. A few stains here and there may be ok, but you will need to ask the company you are donating the item to. I have even come across companies who take small rugs like door mats, and area rugs that you no longer want.

If you are looking to get paid for these items than you should try selling them at a garage sell by yourself. If you just want to donate them, put a little effort in it. It may take some time to find an organization in your area that could use the carpeting but in the long run it would definitely be worth it. You will be glad that your old carpet went to good use instead of just be thrown in a landfill causing more harm to the environment.

If you are having new carpeting installed, and they have offered to dispose of your carpet for you, ask them what they plan to do with the carpet. If they are just going to dump it in the trash you can have them roll it up for you. Then you can call around to see where you can donate the old carpet.