Support for waste carpet take-back schemes that divert material from landfill for recycling is growing with research suggesting around three-quarters of retailers’ customers would pay for this service, reports Carpet Recycling UK.
The industry’s carpet recycling body revealed at the Harrogate Flooring Show that of the 472 Carpet Foundation members surveyed, 74% of their customers would pay for removal of carpet waste by their retailer.
“This high figure is very encouraging and would be a significant help in diverting greater waste carpet volumes from landfill,” commented Jane Gardner of Axion Consulting, which manages the industry-backed association for recycling and reusing carpet.
“Having expanded our UK-wide specialist recycler network from six to 24 in the last two years, retailers can find an alternative, cost-saving disposal route to landfill. Retailers are an important part of the supply chain and participating in take-back schemes offers a number of benefits.
“Diverting carpet waste from landfill helps retailers to increase their environmental credentials and save on waste disposal costs, while further enhancing their service to customers,” she added.
CRUK welcomed more than 100 visitors to its stand and more than 50 delegates to its seminar throughout the three-day show, which also attracted nearly 30 new membership enquiries. The 14 Carpet Recycling UK carpet manufacturing members taking responsibility for end of life waste products are Abingdon, Balsan, Brintons, Brockway, Cormar, Desso, Ege, Forbo, J & J Invision, Milliken, Mohawk, Penthouse, Quadrant and Vorwerk.
The seminar looked at further recycling opportunities for carpets, including trials and projects involving retailers: Bradford-based Winder Carpets and the Floor Store in Leeds, presented by Dave Critchley, Technical Manager of 4Recycling, a CRUK member.
Latest CRUK figures reveal 42,000 tonnes of carpet waste – 10% of the 420,000 tonnes of carpet waste arising each year – were diverted from landfill in 2010. This is a 60% increase in landfill diversion of the material compared to 2009.
CRUK’s 2011 targets include diverting 50,000 tonnes (12%) from landfill and increasing recycling outlets to 40 across the UK, conducting further collection trials and attracting additional funding to support technical work on end market development for carpet waste.
For more information, call 0161 440 8325 or visit www.carpetrecyclinguk.com.
(Source: www.environmental-expert.com )