Green organisation hails increase in carpet recycling

Thousands of tonnes of old carpet avoided going to landfill last year, according to new industry figures.

According to Stockport-based Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK), new data has revealed that 16.5 per cent of all carpet waste was recycled in 2011, representing a 65 per cent increase over the previous 12 months.

Out of the 66,000 tonnes saved from landfill, there was a roughly even split between the carpet which was recycled and reused, and the carpet sent for energy recovery. CRUK wants to see a quarter of all used carpets being recycled by 2015.

Laurance Bird, the organisation's director, said: "It's a fantastic achievement and testament to the on-going commitment and consistent efforts of all throughout the supply chain.

"It's encouraging to see the growth in the use of carpet fibres for equestrian surfaces and felts, with 32 specialist outlets now contributing to these total diversion routes."

According to CRUK, an increasing number of local authorities and waste management companies are taking an interest in carpet recycling, with enquiries to the organisation up 50 per cent last year.