Recofloor’s new record of 500 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring collected in a year

Recofloor has notched up a new collection record - 500 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring sent back for recycling into flooring or other products in just 12 months.

The ‘milestone figure’ for 2014 was achieved during the national vinyl flooring recycling scheme’s Fifth Anniversary year and is testament to the efforts and enthusiasm of its 620-plus members throughout the UK.

It’s also proof that the initiative, founded by leading flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor in 2009, has engaged with all levels of the flooring supply chain, from the smallest ‘one-man bands’ to the largest flooring contractors and distributors.

“To collect 500 tonnes in just one year is a fantastic result and this momentum is being maintained. Volumes collected so far in 2015 are already up on the same period last year,” comments Carla Eslava, Recofloor’s Project Officer.

“From the start, Polyflor and Altro ensured that their scheme would be easy-to-use and accessible to as many participants as possible through regular communication and by providing collection services tailored to their needs,” she continues. “Regular feedback from our many contented collectors suggests we’re getting it right.”

At Mayfield Floors, the whole company is involved with Recofloor as it helps reduce costs and waste, as Adam Kelly explains: “I introduced Toolbox Talks to new fitters after finding it was helpful in clarifying the scheme’s specifications. When material is returned to us by the fitters, if I discover any contamination I remove it and make an effort to track down who’s responsible and explain what they need to do.”

For John Scott of Branagan Flooring Services ‘it’s been a smooth process and the Recofloor message is easy’. He adds: “Once trained, the fitters understand how the scheme works and do their best. When the material arrives in the vans, I transfer it to the collection bins. This allows me to check for any contamination before it’s sent for processing.”

Carpet and Flooring Manager at Fitwell Flooring, Dennis Perham is a keen Recofloor supporter, explaining personally to customers how the scheme works and its benefits. “Material comes back to us in clear polybags, so I can see any signs of contamination and remove it. Leaflets promoting the scheme are also sent with invoices as reminders.”

Hand-sorting is also a priority at Top Floors where Jeff Abbott, who helped to implement Recofloor at the company, carries out regular checks on material returned by customers. Similarly, Benjamin Neale at Reform Floors spreads the word to their fitters, adding: “They are happy to help and recognise the scheme’s environmental benefits. It took time and constant training, but our rising collections are evidence that this is now paying off.”

With 71 drop-off sites at distributor’s premises offering bulk collection facilities and scheduled collections available from larger construction sites, Recofloor’s focus on creating a sustainable scheme that works for its members has ensured its on-going success. To date, some 2,250 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring has been diverted from landfill.

By recycling their waste uplifted vinyl flooring and installation offcuts, flooring contractors and fitters can make significant savings in disposal costs. Being able to demonstrate their green credentials can also help them gain new business.