OK in the Garbage Cart
Place small amounts of carpet in the garbage cart. If you can’t fit all of it in the garbage, then take it to the landfill. Your garbage hauler may not pick up your garbage if it does not fit in the receptacle.
Non-Recyclable Carpet Goes in the Garbage Cart
Most carpet recycling programs will not accept carpet that is contaminated by paint, drywall, asbestos or mold. Small amounts of contaminated carpet can thrown away, while larger carpets must be taken to the landfill.
Alternative Ways to Recycle
Give to a CARE-Affiliated Company
The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a joint industry-government project to increase carpet recycling. They have a number of carpet reclamation partners in California that accept unwanted carpet and will recycle it for you.
Ask the Carpet Installer
Some carpet retailers have recycling programs already in place. Ask the carpet installer if they participate in recycling programs for old carpet.
Ways to Reduce
Purchase an Eco-Friendly Carpet
Consider purchasing an eco-friendly carpet to reduce your environmental impact. The most eco-friendly carpets are made from natural, renewable fibers, such as wool, seagrass, jute and organic cotton.
