Contents

The business idea

A carpet recycling service removes, collects and reconditions old carpets and floor tiles. If it is in good condition, carpet can be reused and fitted in various buildings and properties, or can be sold on for reprocessing into different materials including lumber, plastic and soundproofing items.

Carpet wastage is just one of a number of factors that contribute to harming the environment. As buildings are renovated, carpets and carpet tiles are dumped in landfill sites and skips. The concept of social enterprise with a focus on benefiting the community, coupled with a rise in environmental awareness, has created a ready market for businesses to exploit.

Customers and market trends

Consumers renovating their houses may be keen to donate old carpet to a recycling service, especially if it is in good condition.
Local voluntary organisations may be in need of floor coverings and will appreciate refurbished carpet or carpet tiles, which cost little when compared with standard retail prices.
Businesses aiming to be carbon neutral might wish to donate their carpets and floor tiles to a recycling service. Carpets cannot normally be recycled or given to conventional waste recycling centres, so by donating carpet for restoration and renovation, they are helping to improve their corporate social responsibility.
Garden centres and plant nurseries may be interested in small remnants of carpet for use as insulation or mulch.
Social housing schemes may contact you with a view to fitting floor coverings in their flats and houses.

Key start up considerations

You will need premises big enough to clean, store and sell carpets. Location and accessibility are important, as you will need to be convenient both for visitors and people dropping off used carpet.

You will need carpet cleaning equipment and machines. This could include sprayers, hoses, brushes, dryers and carpet vacuums, as well as carpet shampoo and treatment sprays. You will need to comply with health and safety regulations regarding the use of chemicals.

Careful consideration should be given to how you will source the carpet you intend to restore and sell. You should budget for advertising your scheme to local residents, council offices, businesses and retailers.

You should be experienced in laying and fitting carpet and carpet tiles, or prepared to undertake training. You will also need to consider how you will transport donations of carpet - you will almost certainly need a transit van or larger van, and you should ensure it is roadworthy, taxed and insured.

Sources of further information

Spruce Carpet Tiles
Example of a carpet recycling social enterprise.
www.sprucecarpettiles.co.uk

National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA)
Non-profit association promoting high standards in carpet cleaning.
www.ncca.co.uk

Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA)
Provides training and support for people working in the floor coverings industry.
www.fita.co.uk