With most carpets lasting between 5 and 15 years, many people find themselves in that unfortunate position of needing to get rid of them. just pitching it in the trash isn’t just wasteful, it’s environmentally irresponsible.

Your old carpet could have a second life in places ranging from car interiors to industrial flooring. However recycling is only one of several options.

From donating it to upcycling it or hiring professional removal services, you have multiple options that suit your preferences and are in line with your environmentally friendly principles.

This guide will discuss how to get rid of your carpet responsibly. From evaluating the condition of your carpet to local disposal options to environmentally conscious techniques.

Evaluate the Condition of the Carpet

1.1 Check if it can be recycled

The first step in how to dispose of carpet is to check if it can be recycled. Although many local councils don’t consider carpets to be bulky waste, carpets are still very much recyclable if you take them to the right recycling facilities. Here’s what to consider:

• Composition: Some carpet materials are more recyclable than others.
• Overall condition: Well-worn or heavily soiled carpets may not be recyclable.
• Look to see if there are specialized carpet recycling facilities in your area.

Unlike biodegradable materials, carpets rarely are so recycling is a better alternative than sending it to a landfill.

After many years of wasted opportunity, California is now seeing the fruits of this labor with actual carpet recycling/repurposing with CARE achieving a 35% recycling rate in 2023.

1.2 Confirm whether hazardous materials are present

A lot of carpet waste may contain harmful materials, so before disposing check whether you have any of these:

• Check for mold or mildew signs
• Watch out for chemical residues from cleaning agents: Triclosan (an antimicrobial agent), N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) (a solvent), Surfactants (a broad-spectrum term for things like sodium lauryl sulfate), Enzymes (proteases, lipases, etc.), Benzothiazolinone (a preservative) and Methylisothiazolinone (a preservative)
• Pinpoint possibly harmful backing materials such as styrene and 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), which are part of the “new carpet smell” and potential indoor air pollutants.

Hazardous waste may require special disposal techniques to prevent environmental contamination.

1.3 Measure the carpet area

There are many reasons why it is crucial to measure your carpet area accurately

Reason	Importance
Disposal costs	Many services charge based on area or weight
Recycling feasibility	Some facilities have size limitations
Transportation planning	Ensure appropriate vehicle size for removal

To measure:

• Determine the total square footage of carpeted areas
• If there are sections that are not perfectly shaped note that
• Weight: This could affect your options for disposal

With a proper assessment of your carpet’s condition, recyclability, and dimensions you’ll be better prepared for the next step i.e. preparing the carpet for disposal. This preparation ensures that your old carpet is removed in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

2. Get the Carpet Ready for Disposing

The next step is to get it ready for disposal as soon as possible after assessing its condition.

2.1 Cut into pieces that can be handled

First, you have to break your carpet into smaller, manageable pieces. It is necessary to be able to handle them more easily and eliminate them effectively.

Using a utility knife, cut the carpet into strips, cutting entirely through the carpet and backing. Aim for sections about 3-4 feet wide that will be easier to roll and transport.

2.2 Roll up sections tightly

After cutting the carpet into strips, roll each piece tightly. Not only does this compress the carpet, but it also prevents it from unravelling while it is being transported.

Work from one end to the other, applying consistent pressure as you roll to create an even, tight roll.

2.3 Secure with tape or twine

Once you roll your carpet sections, you want to secure them so that they do not unravel. You have two main options:

Tape is fast and simple to apply but it might not hold up as well for thicker carpets. Twine is also very secure and best for heavier carpets but takes longer to apply correctly.

Use whichever you prefer, just be sure to tie off the rolls at either end and in the center so they stay secure.

2.4 Remove tacks and staples

The last step in getting your carpet ready for disposal is to remove any remaining tacks, staples, or other fasteners. This is important for many reasons:

• Safety: Reduces injury risks when handling and disposing
• Recycling: Enhances the recyclability of the carpet
• Protects subfloor: Keeps the surface clean for when the new flooring is being installed.

Grab a pair of pliers or a pry bar, and slowly extract the edges of these salvaged pieces, as that’s where many of them are, especially along the route. If you have stubborn staples, a floor scraper is useful for removing them.

Now that your carpet is properly prepared for disposal, you can look for local disposal options. The first step is to prepare your carpet for the trip, regardless of whether you’re driving it to a recycling center, donating it, or utilizing a junk removal service.

3. Research Local Disposal Resources

We have prepped the carpet for disposal, and now we are exploring local disposal options. This is an important step to ensure that your old carpet gets disposed of responsibly and efficiently.

3.1 Contact Waste Management Services

Most local councils and waste services have options specifically for carpet disposal. Even if some don’t consider carpets as bulky waste, it’s worth asking about their policy. Some key points to consider:

• Service might vary on collection times
• As far as carpet lifespan is concerned, it is generally between 5 and 15 years
• Carpets are often accepted at local tip/recycling centres.
• Globally, some of the major waste management companies are Waste Management Inc, Veolia Environmental Services, Republic Services, Clean Harbors, Waste Connections, Remondis SE & Co. KG, Covanta Holding Corporation etc. If one is near you, you can contact them or search the web for local waste management services.

3.2 Locate carpet recycling centers

Recycling is an eco-friendly option for carpet disposal, and the majority of carpets can be recycled. Here’s what you need to know

Products like car interiors and industrial flooring can be made from repurposed materials Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) has a network of reclamation partners

Recycling Benefits	Examples of Recycled Products
Reduces landfill waste	Car interiors
Conserves resources	Industrial flooring
Supports sustainability	Plastic resin for various industries

3.3 Inquire about bulk pickup days

If you have a large quantity of carpet to dispose of, bulk pickup services are a convenient option:

• Find out if your municipality has bulk pickup days
• Some offer dumpsters for large clean outs or moves.
• Besides other renovation debris, junk removal companies can handle large amounts of carpet waste.

3.4 Donate Usable Pieces

Donating used carpet can be tricky because of health concerns but there are options:

• Unused carpets or new carpets can be given to non-profit organizations that are specifically for building or home restoration
• Some organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores, might take excess new carpet.
• Used carpets may also be accepted by animal shelters for their facilities.

Having determined some local disposal options, we will now turn to eco-friendly disposal methods to reduce the carbon footprint associated with carpet removal even further.

After removing your carpet, consider what to do with tools like a carpet cleaner machine. Find out more in our article on how to dispose of a carpet cleaner machine.

4. Eco-Friendly Disposal Methods

So, now that we have covered local disposal options, lets discuss eco-friendly ways to dispose of your old carpet. These are effective in limiting waste and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.

4.1 Repurpose for gardening

Repurposing your old carpet for gardening is an innovative way to give it a second life. Clean carpet scraps can be used as:

• Weed barriers in garden beds
• Protective Covers for Composting Areas
• Liners for raised garden beds

Not only does this method help in suppressing weed growth but also helps in retaining soil moisture helpful for your plants.

4.2 Use as pet bedding

Scrap carpet pieces that are clean and dry can provide comfortable bedding for pets. Consider:

• Cutting carpet into appropriately sized pieces for pet beds
• Repurpose small scraps as liners for pet carriers
• Using mats in outdoor living areas for pets.

You need to make sure to clean the carpet properly so that no harmful substances are there and the place is well within use for your pets.

4.3 Donate to animal shelters

Many animal shelters accept donations of clean, usable carpets. Also used for: Animal bedding and bedding for comfort. Isulation to Warm kennels. Offers enrichment for cats Scratch posts

Check with your closest animal shelter to ensure they accept carpet donations and if you need to follow any special guidelines before donating.

4.4 Upcycle into crafts

Transform old love worn carpets into upcycling craft projects. Some ideas include:

• Decorate rugs or doormats
• Making coasters or placemats
• Making cat-scratching toys

Not only does upcycling give your carpet a second life, but it also prevents it from going to waste and supports sustainable, circular economies.

Now that we have reviewed these eco-conscious disposal methods, let’s next look at professional, third-party removal services  if you prefer a hands-off approach to carpet disposal. 

Additionally, these services typically adopt eco-friendly approaches, guaranteeing the responsible disposal of your old carpet.

5. Professional Removal Services

Such services can be especially useful if you are managing larger areas or more complex scenarios.

5.1 Research local companies

If you do decide to go with a professional carpet removal, make sure to do your research on local companies. Here are some reputable options to consider:

• Jiffy Junk: Launched in 2014, they now serve customers throughout the United States and have serviced thousands of satisfied customers.
• College HUNKS: A licensed and insured company with experience cleaning specialized fabrics, including carpets and area rugs.
• TurboHaul: a dedicated carpet removal company for residential and commercial purposes.

6. Compare costs and services

Use these common factors when evaluating professional removal services:

Company	Cost Range	Services Offered
Jiffy Junk	$1 to $2 per square yard	Carpet removal, furniture moving, floor cleaning
College HUNKS	Upfront pricing based on size and complexity	Carpet removal, recycling, same-day or next-day service
TurboHaul	Pricing based on volume removed	24-hour service, responsible disposal, additional junk removal

7. Schedule pickup or drop-off

Once you’ve chosen a company you’ll have to plan for pickup or drop-off:

• Provide details about your carpet’s size and type to the selected company for a quote.
• Talk about what times work best for the dogs to be picked up or dropped off.
  This allows you to clear out an area and access the carpeted spaces.
• Also, verify any additional services you may require, like furniture moving or floor cleaning.
• Keep in mind that many professional services operate on short notice and some companies  including TurboHaul  even guarantee same day service within 24 hours. Be particularly useful if your timings are too tight (or you cannot afford to be late)

Conclusion

Carpet disposal should be done the right way to reduce environmental impact and to utilized resource efficiently.

Assessing your carpet’s condition ,preparing it properly for disposal and exploring local options can help you get a better idea of what is the correct option in your specific case.

Regardless of what option you choose, whether it’s recycling, donation, upcycling or seeking professional help, what matters is that you take that first step. 

With the tips presented here, you should feel confident that you are doing the right thing when it comes to getting rid of carpet for the environment, your family and the community.