Asparagus Interiors Inc.

Carpet, usually lasts around 5-10 years depending on the type of fiber and wear and tear in your home. As I look at my own carpet, the contractor grade nylon special… it’s seen better days. How can I recycle it?

Chicago’s Recycling Coalition, offers great information about America’s carpet consumption and how the industry is handling the reuse and recycle of carpet materials.

Key findings noted in the article:

“In 2002, approximately 4.7 billion pounds of carpet was discarded, accounting for about 1 percent of all municipal solid waste by weight. The industry estimates that only 3.8 percent of that waste was either re-used or recycled and broken down into materials for use in producing new carpet, plastics, new backing, and new padding.”

“The most reusable part of the carpet is the non-fiber material that comes from the padding or backing.”

The coalition recommends ways to recycle your carpet material:

• Find an installer who offers reclamation services with installation.
• Ask your dealer about carpet refurbishment.
• Look for carpet dealers and installers who take back used pad for recycling.

Another great reference: The Twin Cities Green Guide

Kinda makes you want to consider wool carpet, bamboo or another sustainable flooring material.

Green Carpet Products:
Nature’s Carpet (Wool Fiber) / Nature’s Carpet Pad – Natural Wool Fibers and Jute Backing, Biodegradable and Recyclable.

Flor Carpet – Some tiles are made with renewable and recyclable resources. Product can be returned to manufacturer for recycling.