How to Recycle Carpets & Rugs
Area rugs, room carpets, and decorative floor coverings made from various materials including wool, synthetic fibers, and natural materials. While wall-to-wall carpet installation falls under construction materials, furniture-category carpets and rugs have different disposal options focused on reuse and specialized recycling.
- 1Vacuum thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and pet hair
- 2Check material composition - wool, synthetic, or blended fibers
- 3Clean any stains or odors if possible to improve donation value
- 4Roll smaller rugs for easier transport and storage
- 5Remove any rubber backing or non-slip padding separately
- 6Take photos for donation or resale listings
- 7Measure dimensions for accurate listings
- Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores
- Local consignment shops and rug dealers
- Facebook Marketplace and online resale platforms
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations
- Specialized textile recycling centers
- Carpet retailers with take-back programs
- Interior decorating rental companies
Area rugs in good condition have significant reuse value. Synthetic fiber rugs may have limited recycling options compared to construction carpet. Wool rugs retain value even when worn.
Carpet and rug reuse prevents textile waste and extends product lifecycles. Quality rugs can last decades with proper care. Recycling synthetic carpets recovers nylon and polyester fibers for new products, though processing requires specialized facilities.
- Donate to staging companies for home sales
- Offer to pet shelters for animal bedding
- Use as protective covering for garage or workshop floors
- Cut into smaller pieces for car mats or utility rugs
- Donate to community theaters for stage sets
- Use for soundproofing in basement or workshop areas
Accepted
- Area rugs and room-sized carpets
- Persian, Oriental, and handmade rugs
- Synthetic fiber rugs (nylon, polyester, polypropylene)
- Wool and natural fiber rugs
- Decorative throw rugs and runners
- Outdoor and patio rugs
- Commercial-grade area rugs
Not Accepted
- Heavily stained or odorous rugs
- Water-damaged or moldy carpets
- Rugs with significant pet damage or contamination
- Rugs with deteriorating backing or severe wear
- Wall-to-wall carpet remnants (see construction category)
- Rugs treated with chemicals or fire retardants
Estimated value: $5-50 for synthetic rugs in good condition; $50-500+ for quality wool or antique rugs depending on size and condition
Donation
- Goodwill Industries
- Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Local consignment shops
- Homeless shelters and transitional housing
- Potential VOCs in synthetic backing materials
- Chemical treatments for stain resistance
- Fire retardant chemicals in some commercial rugs
What's the difference between furniture carpets and construction carpet recycling?
Furniture-category carpets are typically area rugs and decorative pieces with higher reuse value. Construction carpet refers to wall-to-wall installation requiring specialized processing due to adhesives and padding.
How can I tell if my rug is worth donating vs. recycling?
Rugs in good condition without stains, odors, or significant wear have donation value. Even worn rugs may be valuable if they're wool, antique, or handmade. When in doubt, offer for donation first.
Can outdoor rugs be recycled the same way as indoor rugs?
Outdoor rugs are often made from polypropylene or other synthetic materials that may have different recycling requirements. However, they typically have good reuse value for patios, garages, and utility applications.
What should I do with valuable antique or Persian rugs?
High-value rugs should be appraised and sold through specialized dealers, consignment shops, or auction houses rather than donated. Even damaged antique rugs may have restoration value.
Are there health concerns with old rugs?
Older rugs may contain dust, allergens, or chemical treatments. Thorough cleaning helps, but rugs with mold, pet contamination, or unknown chemical treatments should be disposed of rather than donated.