Recofloor, the national vinyl recycling scheme, has set a new annual collection record by collecting 508 tonnes of material for recycling in 2015.
The take-back scheme, which includes over 650 members across the UK and Ireland, was founded in 2009 by flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor. It aims to divert vinyl floor waste from landfill, by recycling it into flooring or other products, which can reduce the cost of its disposal by up to 70 per cent in addition to reducing the effect on the environment.
To date, the scheme has diverted more than 270,000 tonnes of vinyl waste from landfill.
In total, distributors collected 213 tonnes of vinyl waste, which made up the majority (43 per cent) of the 2015 total. Thirty five per cent of the total waste collected was from contractors, almost 178 tonnes, with over 28 tonnes collected by construction projects.
Recofloor puts the increase levels of recovery down to the scheme forming strong relationships with distributors and ‘engaging all levels of the supply chain’.
Trade events and ‘Bacon butty’ events, where attendees can pick up a free bacon sandwich, have been key in communicating how the scheme works and encouraging people to participate. These events have included a communication campaign focused on encouraging distributors to use drop off sites.
A ‘Love2shop’ promotion also provided the incentive of £100 worth of shopping vouchers to enhance collection. All members collecting smooth offcuts, safety offcuts or smooth uplifted vinyl during August 2015 were automatically entered into a prize draw to win the vouchers.
Fifth Annual Recofloor Awards Event
Commenting on the 2015 figure, Carla Eslava of Recofloor said: “Once again, we have exceeded 500 tonnes in a single year and we commend our members for this tremendous achievement, which we’ll be celebrating at our forthcoming Recofloor Annual Awards event on 3 March.”
At the event, Recofloor members who have contributed the most to increasing the volume of vinyl waste being diverted from landfill will be presented with trophies and certificates. Speakers include Richard Catt of Contract Flooring Industry, Ian James, President of the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers and Anthon Francis, Director of Mayfield floors.
More information on Recofloor can be found on the scheme’s website.
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