Old carpets help reduce horse injuries

An initiative by Angus Council in Scotland is recycling old carpets into horse riding surfaces to help prevent equestrian injuries.

Many worn carpets end up in landfill sites, but there are several initiatives now being launched aimed at finding ways to recycle carpets.

Angus Council launched its new carpet recycling service on November 23. Skips at the Carnoustie and Arbroath recycling centres are accepting carpets and underlay, which are shredded and baled. The material is then used to provide a surface for horses in arenas and training facilities. These surfaces help prevent strain and reduce injury risks.

This is a pilot project, which, if successful, will be operated in other Scottish areas.

Angus is not the only area in the UK to recycle carpets for horses. The Potter Group, based in Wales, owns a waste management company, as well as a team of National Hunt racehorses. Its “Canter Carpet” is made from recycled carpets for use by equestrian centres.

There are also numerous other carpet recycling schemes that work with businesses and individuals to accept used carpets, which are recycled for use in a number different of products.

Many households and businesses choose carpets or carpet tiles in the North Wales, Wrexham and Chester areas. Carpets are suitable for vulnerable people as they prevent slips and falls, they make rooms feel cosier and their acoustic properties reduce noise by absorbing sound. Their insulating qualities also save energy.

At the end of a carpet’s life, it should be recycled rather than thrown away as waste.