South Coast: Carpet Barn & The Bed Store scores with recycling

Flooring and furniture retailer Carpet Barn & The Bed Store has celebrated the first anniversary of its carpet-recycling service, which has seen over 180 tonnes of used carpet, underlay and plastic being sent for recycling and turned into energy rather than going to UK landfill. The retailer is now collecting on average 30 tonnes a month of recyclable material from customers.

Darren Ironside, director, said: “The scheme is extremely popular with our customers. Not only does it mean that we take away any used carpets and beds once we’ve delivered and fitted their new replacements so that it’s highly convenient and hassle-free for them, but it also ensures we’re all doing our bit for the environment.”

Research by Carpet Recycling UK highlighted that 400,000 tonnes of carpet waste is buried in UK landfill each year.  Carpets made from natural and synthetic fibres still have a value once the carpet is no longer wanted and can be used in a wide range of applications from sports surfaces to insulation.  Other kinds of carpet are made into a fuel flock to replace coal in cement kilns.