Tips for Recycling Carpet Padding

Carpet pad recycling has one of the most extensive and profitable infrastructures of any recycling enterprise in the U.S. There are currently about 30 manufacturing plants in the U.S. that recycle polyurethane (foam) padding. Additionally, there are about 200 private companies who profit from the collection of used foam and it subsequent sale to those plants.

The profit comes from carpet installers and contractors who, instead of paying to dispose of the old pads in garbage facilities, are paid by the manufacturer to return these materials. Since carpet pads take up about two percent of landfill space, this system effectively reduces demand for valuable space.

How It’s Done

Carpet pads are collected, cleaned, chopped up and combined with post-industrial foam scrap to create what is known as bonded foam (or rebond). If you’ve ever seen a carpet pad with a crazy, multicolored patchwork, then you were looking at rebond. Rebond is also helpful because manufacturers collect scrap foam from furniture, bedding and even automobile manufacturers that might otherwise find its way into landfills. Given the fact that the average home carpet lasts for seven to ten years, and that this recycling process can be repeated eight to ten times, foam padding has an impressive 60 to 100 year life cycle.

How to Recycle Your Carpet Padding

If you are looking to replace old carpet, ask your retailer or contractor about recycling options. Most installers will factor the removal of your old carpet and padding into their costs, so be sure you know what you are paying for these services. While it is possible for you DIY-ers to remove old carpet and pads yourselves, it will be hard to get the materials to recycling facilities. Additionally, foam and carpet are voluminous materials, so if you do not have a large truck available for transport, you will likely make several trips. Some companies will pick up your carpet, but only if you live within certain distance from their facility.