Used Carpet and Pad Recycling

Surfaces Transport has partnered with CLEAR (Carpet Landfill Elimination and Recycling) to advance and promote voluntary recycling of used carpet and pad.

Why recycle your carpet and pad?

• Can be cheaper than throwing it away
• Decrease the flow of recyclable waste to landfills
• Reduce demand for foreign oil
• Environmentally friendly
• Create ongoing sustainability for carpet and pad

Benefits of Recycling Carpet

When doing the right thing also saves money, it makes it an easy decision. By diverting your used carpet and pad, you lower your waste fees and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the flooring market.

We support developing market-based solutions to the environmental problems caused by sending carpet and pad to landfills, where for hundreds of years they remain virtually unchanged.

Studies show that carpet waste accounts for a significant portion of items sent to landfills. Overall, carpet and pad are in the top ten, accounting for 2% - 4% of total volume.

The general public is unaware or carpet diversion initiatives. Nationally, less than 5% of all carpet is recycled, but as education takes place, we expect that number to increase.

Recycling Options for Carpet and Pad

Surfaces Transport and CLEAR Carpet Recycling process the recovered carpet at our Milwaukee terminal.  The carpet is sorted by type then the fibers are harvested for re-use.  The fibers end up in a variety of new products, including:

• New carpet
• Car parts
• Picnic tables
• Landscaping barriers
• Pallets
• Erosion control
• And more

Recycling Carpet is Easy

Want to learn more? Have used carpet and pad that you want to get rid of? Visit the CLEAR web site for more information.