The big push in the flooring business today is how to address the growing issue of recycling. Consumers are becoming more and more conscious of how their buying choices affect the environment both inside and outside their homes.
When it comes to flooring, industry, government and concerned citizens have begun to work together on ways to reduce the potential negative environmental consequence that comes from disposing of used flooring materials.
The short answer to the question of whether you can recycle used vinyl flooring is yes. Vinyl flooring products are no exception to the recycling movement and like many types of plastic products, strategies and methods for safely disposing of and reusing these materials are growing, often into profitable businesses.
There are two ways of looking at the recycling of vinyl flooring. One way is to consider how the disposal of used vinyl flooring can be accomplished in an environmentally friendly way. The other involves the decision to use vinyl flooring and whether the vinyl flooring product you choose contains a significant amount of recycle content. You can help reduce adverse effects on the environment by choosing to go as green as possible.
Vinyl flooring products like tile and sheet flooring have been around for many years and the chemical compounds used in the manufacturing of these products are not very green. The durability and the ease of installation make these products popular flooring choices for many people and can be used in a wide variety of locations around a home or business. Some of the environmental concerns about vinyl flooring begin at the very beginning of the products life cycle, the manufacturing process and end when the product is removed or replaced and discarded. In the middle, there are some environmental advantages to choosing vinyl flooring over carpet floor coverings.
Unlike carpet that can trap and hold dirt and bacteria, vinyl flooring, like other hard flooring products is easier to keep clean and sanitary than fabric floor coverings. In general, there are fewer chemicals needed to maintain modern vinyl flooring especially with the introduction of no wax floor finishes. So with the potential of less exposure to cleaning solutions and the problems that can be associated with properly disposing of waste cleaning solutions, vinyl flooring seems to have some significant advantages.
A significant environmental benefit can be realized from the growing practice of properly recycling or disposing of old vinyl flooring. The idea behind recycling is to keep used vinyl flooring out of the landfill and to prevent disposal methods like burning that can have very serious environmental and public health consequences. The increased availability of recycled material can be an incentive to manufacturers to increase the amount of recycled material used in the production of new vinyl flooring.
Linoleum was phased out several years ago but is making a comeback because it is easier and less hazardous to dispose of.
Before you recycle old vinyl flooring it may be necessary to know what type of material you are dealing with. Some products made with PVC or polyvinylchloride is not recyclable. A good idea might to be to check with your local flooring retailer for help in identifying what the old flooring is made of. Your local flooring retailer may also be able to advise you on proper disposal methods and the location of a recycling facility that will accept old vinyl flooring.
Many flooring retailers participate in a recycling program and might be willing to take the old flooring off of your hands. Some retailers may charge you a disposal fee, but the money could be well spent knowing that the old flooring is properly disposed of.
Related Articles
Thirty positive actions for a sustainable Earth
By: Simon Mitchell | 13/09/2005 | Environment
Possible, separate waste into
compost material, bottles, tins, paper, clothing etc and make
sure that these get recycled. See if your local council has a
policy for recycling,.
How to Dispose of an Old Fridge
By: Fyneworks | 23/03/2007 | Home Improvement
Fridges contain hazardous gas that needs to be properly "collected" so it doesn't harm you or the environment. This article describes the best methods to safely dispose of an old fridge.
Using Web Forms to Help Save the Environment
By: Kyle Ware | 25/10/2007 | Environment
As defined in wikipedia, webform "allows a user to enter data that is, typically, sent to a server for processing and to mimic the usage of paper forms." By it's very definition a web form can help to improve the environment.
Earth Day – Then and Now
By: Carol Sue | 12/04/2008 | Environment
Earth Day 2008 will be celebrated on April 22. How will you celebrate our planet and sustain our environment?
Caring for the Environment: Used Moving Boxes
By: Amy Nutt | 29/06/2008 | Environment
More and more trees are cut down to make these beloved moving boxes that make our lives easier. How about opting for used moving boxes?
Making Use Of Compost
By: James Monahan | 03/12/2005 | Environment
Compost is a mixture of decaying organic matter used to improve soil structure, and provide nutrients.
How to Recover Lost or Deleted Data Files: Data Recovery Software Information
By: Mary Markell | 29/03/2007 | Software
Have you heard of data/file recovery? The definition of the term Data Recovery is "..Making previously lost or damaged data available again.." A data recovery software or method can help us recover destroyed data e.g. an accidentally deleted file. It happens all the time. You delete an important file on your PC and send it to your recycle bin by mistake. You realize what you've done only after you've cleaned the contents of the recycle bin.
What’s your Indoor Air Quality
By: Carol Sue | 05/12/2007 | Health
Organic pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher inside your home and the air outside. These pollutants are from common household cleaners. Are you hurting your health and that of your family with hazardous cleaning products?
Latest Environment Articles
Where Does Solar Energy Come From?
By: Koz Huseyin | 23/07/2008
Solar energy is making a big impact today. In the world we live, we have put major strain on natural resources. But, there is a renewable energy source, which is becoming a viable source to meet the needs of humanity, it is called solar energy. But, where does solar energy come from?
Read Magazines On Environment Education To Learn About The Environment
By: Victor Epand | 23/07/2008
If you are interested in saving the environment and need to know more about the environment, greenhouse effect etc. there are a number of environment education magazines that can help you learn more about this interesting field.
Our Wobbling Earth, Wobbled by the World's Weather
By: Mark Boardman | 23/07/2008
The world's weather can have an enormous impact on a local scale. From a tornado to a hurricane, or an ice storm to a drought, the weather takes its toll. But did you know that the world's weather is capable of making the whole earth move?
Tropical Storm Cristobal
By: Mark Boardman | 23/07/2008
It's hurricane season, and those in the path of these huge storms keep a wary eye out to the east to see what may be heading their way.
Everyone Doing Something – Ten Ways to be Green
By: Dominique Lummus | 23/07/2008
Some scientists are predicting that unhindered, human-caused, global warming over the next century is expected to raise sea levels and cause extremes in temperatures. Thankfully, there is a great deal we can all do to counter this and the impact of small actions by millions of people promises to be huge.
Who is Emaya?
By: Dilip Dahanukar | 23/07/2008
eMaya is net-active AI who saves the World from Nuclear Explosion and finds solutions for reduction of fossil fuel consumption, food shortage in face of increasing population, and global warming. You must read her view of World 2040!
Global Warming
By: Eva Torriente Diaz | 22/07/2008
WHAT WE CAN DO TO SAVE OUR PLANET, FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR GANDCHIDREN.-
The Theory Behind Mountain Formation
By: Alisha Dhamani | 22/07/2008
Climate determines how fast or slowly rocks will erode.
More from Mitch Endick
Zero Gravity Recliners Have Health Benefits and Roots in Space
By: Mitch Endick | 20/06/2008 | Wellness
Introduced over a decade ago, zero gravity recliners offer a unique resting experience.
Carpet Recycling Efforts Help Reduce Waste
By: Mitch Endick | 28/03/2008 | Environment
A new home, freshly decorated and that new carpet looks great and feels nice under your feet. Wall to wall carpet, also referred to as tufted carpet, is still the most popular choice in floor covering for home and commercial applications.
New Pet Beds Mean Sweet Doggie Dreams
By: Mitch Endick | 15/03/2008 | Pets
Without a doubt, Americans pamper their dogs and cats and the simple pet bed has been transformed into a warm, plush retreat. Now if your pets are anything like mine, they prefer your bed to anything else.
Pet People Can Pamper Their Pooches
By: Mitch Endick | 15/03/2008 | Pets
In record numbers, Americans have taken a variety of animals into their homes and hearts. According to various industry sources, over seventy million homes in the U.S. have some kind of pet.
Our Pets Are People Too
By: Mitch Endick | 11/03/2008 | Pets
Yes, pets are people too. At least they are at our house. We treat our pets just like members of the family and they respond with unconditional love, and the occasional chewed up slipper. Sharing our home with several cats and dogs gives us a chance to observe how their individual personalities.
Pet Travel Goes Fashionably Portable
By: Mitch Endick | 05/01/2008 | Pets
Our pets are pampered like never before. From gourmet food to medical insurance, we treat our pets like members of the family. Many of us like to share our personal tastes with our precious pets. Moreover, like members of the family we love to take them along on trips long and short.
Pet Treat Goodies Go Gourmet
By: Mitch Endick | 05/01/2008 | Pets
Like doting parents, we love to spoil our pets. My own menagerie of cats and dogs are coddled and cuddled in ways that amuses some friends, while others think of it as excess. The truth is, our furry friends love the attention and respond in kind. With good food, plenty of toys and regular veterinary care, our pets are happy, healthy and take up too much room in the bed.
Pet Playpens are Catching on
By: Mitch Endick | 05/01/2008 | Pets
Traveling with my two small dogs is always an adventure. On longer trips, an overnight stay at a hotel is usually part of the itinerary. Now finding pet friendly hotels is not usually a problem. What is a problem is that these two members of the family think they are at home.
News and Society 
