How to Re-Use & Recycle Your Rug or Carpet

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How to Re-Use & Recycle Your Rug or Carpet

As part of RugMark's programme to be an environmentally responsible organisation, we have researched the issue of what people can do with their old rugs. Whilst we have not yet found an organisation that can recycle them for you, we would like to offer some other suggestions:

Whatever you choose to do, we would urge you to try not to just throw it away.

Re-use

Furniture re-use groups may accept clean unwanted rugs. Approximately 400 re-use organisations work with social and environmental aims across the UK. These vary in size from small local charities to large social enterprises. Some are attached to housing associations, development trusts and councils for voluntary service. Check on the Furniture Reuse Network website for your nearest group.
Freecycle is an online forum where people give away and pick up stuff free of charge. You could offer your unwanted rug via your local group. www.uk.freecycle.org
SwapXchange offers items for swap from all over the country via its website www.swapxchange.org
Oxfam has 19 specialist second-hand furniture shops. Check the following web page for your nearest one: www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/highstreet/furniture.htm
Emmaus offers homeless men and women a home, work and the chance to rebuild their self-respect in supportive Communities. Emmaus Communities rely on donated goods to make their living, by refurbishing and re-selling them. This provides work for formerly homeless people, who live and work in the Community, supporting themselves and using any surplus to help others in need. Check their website www.emmaus.org.uk for your nearest shop.

Recycle

Use rugs in your garden as mulch, or between rows of plants to prevent weeds. Local allotments and gardening groups may also welcome them.
Cut up rugs for use as foot mats in cars or to line the boot.
Take old mats or rugs on camping or caravan holidays to use as a doormat.
Old pieces of carpet can be used to cover your compost bin over the winter.

If you have any other ideas or suggestions, please send them to us at info@rugmark.org.uk.