Because it contains dozens of complex fibers with different chemical makeups, carpet can be one of the most challenging items to breakdown in a landfill. The bulkiness of carpet also makes it a drain on landfill resources and difficult for sanitation workers to transport. Fortunately, carpet is also easy to recycle. Below are several options for homeowners to consider before placing their carpet in the trash.
Removing Carpet Can Be Challenging
Removing existing carpeting to make room for new carpeting isn’t as easy as it might look. It requires special tools for measuring and can also be a physically demanding job. Homeowners who don’t feel up to the task might consider hiring a company that specializes in carpet removal. That then brings up the dilemma of what to do with it.
Reuse Pieces of Old Carpeting at Home
For people with cats, old carpeting can make an excellent scratching post. It’s as simple as gluing or nailing a strip of carpet to a piece of wood with a base and directing the cat to scratch there when the urge strikes him or her. Pieces of carpet also make good insulation in dog houses, attics, pipes, and other small spaces around the home. Placing small pieces of cut carpet under table legs and chairs can help to prevent scratches on hardwood floors as well.
Sell or Donate Old Carpeting
The old saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure is also true of carpet. If it’s still in good condition, homeowners can earn some extra money by quickly cleaning it up and placing an online ad or holding a garage sale. People who need to decorate their home on a budget will appreciate the opportunity to buy cheap carpet so much that they will haul it home themselves.
Some non-profit organizations could also benefit from a carpet donation. Animal shelters and training facilities can be a good place to start when searching for a donor since they use the old carpet to line the bottom of animal cages. It’s always best to call a non-profit organization to ensure it can accept the donation than hauling it there and then having to haul it home.
Bring It to a Recycling Center
While it’s not as common for individuals to bring items to recycling centers directly, some do offer people in the neighboring community this option. A local carpet supplier or furniture installation company should be able to provide a referral to a recycling center to any customer who asks. Checking for carpet recycling facilities through the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is another option.
Request Pick-Up of Old Carpeting from a Junk Hauler
Junk haulers are organizations that pick-up large quantities of unwanted household items, carpet included. Homeowners don’t need to do any lifting at all when working with a junk hauler. The company will take the old carpets away and deliver them to a recycling center or charitable organization to keep them out of landfills.
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