A group of carpet manufacturers in the United Kingdom have formed an alliance to boost the recycling rate of carpet. The organization, called Carpet Recycling UK, is being supported by members of each industry involved in the carpet industry, including recyclers.
The goal of Carpet Recycling UK is to bring manufacturers in the country to a leadership position in the area of carpet recycling. According to the organization, the cost of collecting and sorting residential carpeting can be offset by the any reduction in landfill costs.
Meanwhile, on the commercial side, there is a growing demand from government and corporate procurement to ensure that end-of-life carpets are recycled and not landfilled. Construction Site Waste Management Plans being implemented from April 2008 are also expected to increase the pressure for recycling carpets and tiles.
Carpet Recycling UK will develop a strong carpet recycling industry by taking the following approaches:
Raise awareness at government level so that appropriate support is available through recycling agencies and regulatory regimes
Create a database of technical and market information and commissioning research to fill key gaps.
Accrediting carpet recyclers according to environmental performance
Providing a focal point for enquiries from members of the public as well as industry participants about carpet recycling
Parties interested in joining Carpet Recycling UK can contact any of the following:
Kate Atkinson, 160 High St., Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7BT, tel. 01793 848110; Laurance Bird, 0116 2792948; or Bill Tippett, 01539 728162.