Surfaces Transport Expands Carpet Recycling Program

Surfaces Transport, a specialty floor covering and supplies transportation company headquartered in Milwaukee, has announced plans to expand its Milwaukee-based carpet recycling operation.

Through the company’s Carpet Landfill Elimination and Recycling (CLEAR) program, which it launched in early 2011, the company has boosted the amount of used carpet it processes. CLEAR Carpet Recycling, a subsidiary of Surfaces Transport, processes the collected carpet and pad in Surface Transport’s freight terminal.

According to Surface Transport, CLEAR can handle virtually unlimited volumes of carpet and padding at its recycling plant. When shipments are received, CLEAR sorts the carpet based on fiber type. Carpet pad is pulled out and handled separately. The company says it processes and recycles 500,000 pounds of used carpet per month.

CLEAR says by leveraging its existing partner network with Surfaces Transport, the company has overcome many of the problems with growing its carpet recycling business. Improvements in the processing and harvesting equipment, plus technical advancements made by manufacturers have also contributed to long-term optimism in the carpet recycling industry, according to Surfaces Transport.

“Our partners have told us their customers are really embracing the concept of recycling their old carpet,” Nick Fiore, CLEAR president, says. “We support our retail partners with store signage and marketing materials, allowing them to share the benefits of carpet recycling with people shopping in their stores.”

In addition to Milwaukee, Surfaces Transport operates terminals in Eagan, Minn. and Elk Grove Village, Ill., and along with a distribution partner in Georgia, delivers carpet, pad, hardwood, laminates, vinyl, tile and all related supplies and accessories throughout the upper Midwest.