Carpet Recycling

What Is Carpet Recycling?

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 01 April 2026

Carpet Recycling is the process of collecting and processing old carpets into new products, reducing waste sent to landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 5 billion pounds of carpet go to US landfills annually. By recycling, we can save valuable resources like nylon and PET.

Where to Recycle Carpet

You can recycle carpet at CARE facilities, Home Depot with purchase, Lowe's during installation, specialised carpet recyclers, and some construction and demolition (C&D) waste facilities.

To find a local facility near you, visit the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) website or search for "carpet recycling near me" on Google Maps.

How to Prepare Carpet for Recycling

First, remove all staples, tacks, and nails from the carpet rolls. Next, roll up the carpet tightly into manageable sections-usually about 5 feet wide by 20-30 feet long. Label each roll clearly with your name or contact information if it's going through a recovery program.

What Is Carpet Worth?

The cost to dispose of old carpet typically ranges from $10 to $25 per roll at recycling facilities. However, some retailers like Home Depot offer free take-back services when you buy new carpet. Lowe's provides similar service for carpets installed by them.

According to the European Parliament, less than 1% of rare earth elements in e-waste are currently recycled.

Environmental Impact

Recycling one tonne of carpet saves approximately 37,000 BTUs of energy compared to manufacturing virgin materials, reducing CO2 emissions by around 1.6 metric tons. Additionally, recycling a ton of carpet conserves about 15 cubic yards of landfill space and reduces water usage.

Safety and Regulations

When handling old carpets, wear gloves and a dust mask due to potential dust mites, mould, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives. California's AB 2398 mandates carpet stewardship programs like CARE for proper disposal. Violations can result in fines up to $10,000 per day.

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Recycling carpet not only helps the environment but also saves you money on disposal fees. Many local recycling centres and retailers provide easy options for getting rid of old carpets responsibly. By choosing Carpet Recycling services or participating in take-back programs offered by Home Depot and Lowe's, you're contributing to a greener future while potentially earning LEED credits for green building certifications. Additionally, adhering to construction waste diversion requirements in your area can lead to significant cost savings over time.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

To find out more about carpet recycling facilities near you, check the CARE website or contact local C&D disposal companies that offer specialised carpet recycling services.

Sources

• European Parliament
• WHO
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024