How to Dispose of Carpet Safely and Legally

According to the World Economic Forum, the U.S. carpet industry produces almost 12 billion square feet of carpeting yearly. However, only 5% gets recycled.

So, if you’re about to change the carpeting in your home, you should familiarize yourself with safe, legal, and environmentally friendly carpet disposal methods. Not only will you do yourself a favor by avoiding violations and hefty fines, but you’ll also be able to do your part in minimizing waste that goes into landfills.

The WRS Dumpster Rental team will teach you how to dispose of carpet in this guide, so read on.

Decide How to Dispose of Carpet

You have several options for safe and legal carpet removal and disposal, including:

Your town’s local garbage collection and recycling service
Professional carpet disposal services
Authorized carpet recycling facilities
Local dumpster rental and waste removal services

Here’s a closer look at each option.

Town-Provided Garbage Collection and Recycling

Many municipalities in the U.S. have garbage collection services that allow residents to put carpet waste at the curb, like regular trash. However, their regulations often include weight and size restrictions.

An example is the Township of Union, New Jersey, which provides weekly bulk waste collection for three “pieces” of waste per household. According to the Township’s government, residents can place carpet waste at the curb provided they tie and bundle it, with each bundle not exceeding four feet and 50 pounds. Each bundle is one bulk item.

Not following those waste regulations can result in violations. In Union, NJ, such violations fall under the Township’s General Legislation, Part II, Chapter 496-17. Those who break the law may face a penalty of $100 to $1,000, community service, or even imprisonment!

With such heavy consequences, checking and abiding by your local government’s waste ordinances should be a top priority.

Professional Carpet Disposal Services

Are you having your old carpet removed as part of a new installation?

If so, check with the installation company if they offer carpet removal and hauling services. If they do, ask where they plan to dispose of the waste and for a quote. Then, contact other carpeting and flooring companies and ask the same questions.

Comparing providers will allow you to determine which charges the most reasonable rates and has partnerships with authorized recycling facilities.

Authorized Carpet Recycling Facilities

If you don’t want to pay extra for someone else to remove and transport your carpets to a recycling facility, you can do these steps yourself. Do a localized online search for nearby carpet recycling options.

Alternatively, you can contact Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). It’s a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the amount of environmentally friendly carpet recycling in the United States. Its staff can give you insights and tips on finding nearby carpet reclamation locations in your community or municipality.

Local Dumpster Rental and Waste Removal Services

If you’re removing carpets as part of a larger home project, a savvy solution for their proper disposal is to partner with a reputable waste removal service offering affordable dumpster rentals. With a rental dumpster on-site, you’ll have an easier time cleaning up most of the debris and waste your project generates.

Aside from carpets, you can also throw many other types of waste in the rental dumpster, such as:

Household junk, like old chairs, clothes, blankets, toys, pots, and pans
Drywall, insulation, flooring, tiles, and other building or construction materials
Untreated lumber and old wooden furniture

Depending on the size and extent of your project, a 10-yard rental dumpster may suffice. Don’t worry if you need something with more space; the most reliable dumpster rental companies offer other sizes, including:

15-yard dumpsters
20-yard dumpsters
30+ yard dumpsters

If you’re unsure which size to get, the dumpster rental company should be able to help. Here at WRS Dumpster Rental and Waste Removal Services, just call us at 800-381-6912, and we’ll happily answer all your questions.

Wear Protective Gear

Suppose you’ve decided to remove and dispose of your old carpets yourself. If so, one of the most crucial carpet disposal tips is to prioritize your safety by wearing personal protective gear.

Don thick, protective gloves to avoid injuries caused by stray nails or staples. The gloves can also protect you from mishaps with utility knives, cutters, wall trimmers, or napping shears as you cut the carpet into smaller sections.

Wear a face mask, too. According to the American Lung Association, carpets may trap allergens and pollutants like:

Dirt and dust
Dust mites
Mold and mold spores
Cockroach particles
Particles that may contain toxic gases

Exposure to allergens and pollutants can have adverse health effects, so it’s better to be safe than sorry by wearing personal protective gear.

Donate New Carpeting Leftovers

If the carpeting you want to dispose of is a leftover from a new installation, consider donating it instead. Non-profits that aid low-income families with housing, like Habitat for Humanity, often accept surplus but new carpeting. You can also check with your local animal shelters and foster homes to see if they accept carpets for their furry residents.

Repurpose the Carpets

You may also want to repurpose bits of carpets, whether “new” leftovers or used ones (so long as they’re still in good condition and easy to clean). You can cut them into smaller sections and turn them into:

Welcome mats or area rugs
Car floor mats
Lining for your pet’s new bed
Garden kneelers

By repurposing carpets, you’ll have less debris to worry about while minimizing the amount of waste you generate.

Keep These Carpet Disposal Tips in Mind

Now that you know how to dispose of carpet, the next step is to decide which method to use. If you wish to save money on carpet removal and proper disposal, consider partnering with us at WRS Dumpster Rental and Waste Removal Services.

We’re proud of our combined 25 years of experience providing quick and easy dumpster rental services and upfront pricing to our customers in many Eastern U.S. states. We serve New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Florida, to name a few. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members will gladly answer any questions you have.