Carpet: Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction

Construction and Demolition Recycling

This page provides technical information on carpet recycling. Given that carpet pad is typically used with broadloom carpets, some information is also provided on carpet pad recycling. By reusing or recycling your used carpet pads and carpets you may reduce overall disposal costs, save landfill space, and help achieve the diversion goals of your city or county.

For information on AB 2398, the carpet stewardship law and the California Carpet Stewardship Plan, visit the Carpet EPR Program Overview webpage.

Synthetic fibers make up more than 99 percent of the fiber used by the United States carpet industry. Each fiber has strengths and weaknesses that must be recognized and should influence how it is to be used and constructed. The following fibers, in order of importance, are used in the production of carpets:

Contamination is the primary reason why recyclable scrap carpet does not get recycled. Some contamination comes from careless handling of carpet during its removal, when other demolition debris ends up in the load. Carpet tack strips and nails are common and serious contamination problems because a piece of metal will tear up recycling equipment. A magnet might help, but not for bits of stainless steel or aluminum.

Other contaminants that are not easily removed and can make carpet unrecyclable include paint and drywall mud. Carpet must not be contaminated with body fluids, chemical or pharmaceutical contaminants, and asbestos.

Excessive moisture also impedes carpet recycling. It makes carpet heavier and interferes with fiber-testing devices and other machinery not to mention the potential for moist carpet to contain mold or mildew. Collectors must protect old carpet and pads from rain and snow by using closed containers and overhangs.

Carpet rolled, with fiber side out, cut in 6 foot widths, is ideal for processing.

The following websites have more information on carpet collection:

Recyclers use near-infrared spectroscopic analyzers (aka laser gun) to determine the carpet fiber type because each requires a different processing technique. These analyzers are expensive and are therefore mainly used by carpet processors. The following websites have further information on fiber analyzers:

Habitat for Humanity, which accepts like-new construction materials for affordable housing, is one organization that may find use for good reusable carpet, although it may require a minimum carpet quantity of about 800 square feet. Habitat for Humanity is listed in your local phone directory.

CalRecycle's California Materials Exchange (CalMAX) portal helps businesses find markets for materials traditionally discarded, including carpet and pad.

When it comes to recycling, not all carpets are created equal. Some are much more readily reused or recycled than others. In particular, carpets made from nylon are highly valued by recyclers. However, as nylon carpets sales decrease are supplanted with polyester or other less valuable materials, it makes the economics of carpet recycling more challenging.

Carpet cushion (carpet padding) is the foundation for every residential carpet installation. The following are different types of carpet cushion:

You can send your rebond carpet pad to foam recyclers in your area. Recyclers may pay for used rebond foam pad. A number of these pad recyclers are also listed in CalRecycle's list of carpet and pad recyclers. Check your local directory for listings of other pad recyclers (check under "Recycling Centers").

Below are requirements and best management practice guidelines to assist those handling or storing carpet:

Used carpets may be recycled to make new carpet or as a component to produce other products such as auto parts, carpet pad, plastic lumber and parking stops.

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Carpet: Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction