Is laminate flooring recyclable?

Eco-friendly homeowners are increasingly looking to dispose of materials around their home they no longer require in responsible ways that won’t harm the environment. For this reason, when purchasing a floor covering, many forward-thinking people are now concerned with the lifespan of a flooring solution, and what impact it will have on the world after it is no longer fit for service.

Among the most stylish yet affordable options for home flooring, laminate boards are often designed to look like real wood at a fraction of the cost. Exceptionally durable, if properly cared for, laminate floors can last up to 25 years, depending on the quality of the product and usage. However, it’s understood that, over time, a floor area may become scratched or chipped at the corners, or even become warped by excessive moisture when accidents occur.

When homeowners finally decide to replace their laminate flooring, the good news is that the majority of it can in fact be recycled. Read on to find out more about the properties of laminate that allow it to be reclaimed, along with safe disposal methods and other options worth considering.

Recycling laminate flooring

Today’s advanced technologies have altered the manufacturing process of laminate flooring, enabling up to 85 per cent of the product to be recycled. Wood chips and fibres can be reclaimed from the flooring and reused in other products. However, while laminate contains some natural wood, it also includes chemical coatings, such as aluminium oxide. This makes it unsafe to be simply burned, as toxins are released into the atmosphere. The process of recycling laminate flooring is more complex than local recycling plants can cope with, so it’s not possible to add it to the tins, glass and plastic containers picked up by your regular collection service.

Consult product manufacturers

Many laminate flooring makers offer a service to recycle unused excess flooring or used laminate. You can enquire about the recycling services available for a product before committing to a purchase if you’re concerned about the environment.

Booking a waste collection

Many local councils will offer a dedicated collection service to pick up any unused materials homeowners within their constituency need to dispose of. This free service run by local authorities will ensure that your laminate flooring is picked up and disposed of properly according to the UK’s environmental legislation.

Upcycling

Another option is to sell on your used laminate flooring, upcycling it for use by other homeowners. Additionally, laminate can be refashioned by DIY enthusiasts and arts and crafts experts, who can repurpose the material, making new and useful items to serve others.

Extra laminate flooring

If you find that you have miscalculated and purchased too much laminate for your project, it can be a wise idea to keep some. Should any boards become damaged in the future, you will be able to replace them from your stockpile and avoid the trouble of tracking down the same size and style or installing an entirely new floor.