MIXED loads of any type of wool-rich or synthetic waste carpet can now be accepted for recycling thanks to a pioneering new service which aims to increase collection and recycling ofwaste carpet.

Carpet Recycling UK member, 4 Recycling can now identify, segregate and process all types of carpet waste
at its Leeds site before being sent for recycling. An initial volume of around 25,000 tonnes a year rising to 75,000 tonnes annually is expected once further processing centres are opened throughout the UK.

Wool-rich material is shredded and composted for reuse as a growing medium for ‘contained’ environments, such as plant pots or grow-bags. Shredded synthetic is commonly used for equestrian surfaces or in sound proofing and underlay applications.

Paul Gilbert, director of 4 Recycling, explains: ‘We are putting in the infrastructure, such as collection equipment, transport hubs and processing centres, to prevent carpet waste being dumped in landfill.
‘We see it as a selling point for carpet fitting contractors who candemonstrate a sustainable disposal route for their carpet waste. Intandem, we are developing new end markets for carpet recyclate, ’he adds.

Reprocessing sites are planned in South Wales, the South West and Northumberland along with transport
hubs in Sheffield, Kent, Northern Ireland and two sites in the North West. Meanwhile, it is looking for partners
to develop transport hubs in London, the Midlands and Scotland. Carpet Recycling UK is working towards the industry target of 25% landfill diversion by 2015.

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