Carpet Recycling UK defends its recycling achievements

Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) has disputed claims made by UKWIN, Changing Markets and Zero Waste Europe that the carpet industry has a poor record on carpet recycling.

CRUK responded by quoting statistics showing that 98% of carpets used to be dumped in landfills, but the percentage is now 56%, with over 35% of carpets being recycled. Although these statistics mean that the carpet industry has a way to go before all carpets are recycled, CRUK says that it is proud of the progress it has made. It is stepping up its efforts to divert more used carpets from landfill sites.

Carpet recycling is voluntary, as there is no legislation that makes it compulsory. Some carpets are manufactured in ways that make them difficult to recycle, but CRUK is working with carpet manufacturers to make carpets easier to recycle. CRUK admits it does not yet have the ideal solution for recycling all carpets and ways to deal with the waste they produce. It is advising all sections of the carpet trade about the best ways to recycle used carpets.

Many carpets are made from synthetic materials like nylon, polypropylene and polyester. Some carpet manufacturers are making carpets from recycled plastic. At the end of the carpet's life, the plastic can be extracted for use in manufacturing new carpets. They can also be recycled to form part of composite lumber used in building construction.

Carpets are a popular form of floor covering for Wrexham, Chester and North Wales homes. CRUK and carpet manufacturers are developing ways to make carpets more environmentally friendly.