Getting rid of an old carpet can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 4 effective ways to safely and easily dispose of your worn-out carpet.
Call Your Local Waste Management Company
One of the easiest ways to get rid of an old carpet is to contact your local waste management company. Many municipalities offer special pickup services for bulky items like carpets. Just call and schedule a pickup date and time. They will send a truck to collect your rolled-up carpet from the curb and dispose of it properly. This avoids the headache of trying to transport a large carpet yourself.
Make sure to ask if there are any special requirements for preparing the carpet for pickup, such as removing tacks or cutting it into smaller sections. There may be size or weight restrictions as well. Some companies charge a nominal fee for special pickups while others provide the service for free as part of regular trash collection.
Donate Your Carpet
If your carpet is still in decent shape with some usable life left, consider donating it. Many nonprofit organizations accept carpet donations for resale or reuse.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores often take donations of new and gently used building materials including carpets. They can then resell or reuse them and put the proceeds toward building affordable housing for those in need.
You can also check with local theaters, schools, community centers, churches or startups to see if they can use your old carpet for backstage floors, set building or other purposes. Just make sure to disclose any stains or damage so they know what condition it’s in.
Donating saves your carpet from the landfill and gives it a new life helping the community. Just be sure to transport it properly when dropping it off.
Hire a Junk Removal Service
For fast and convenient carpet disposal, consider hiring a junk removal service. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK will send a team to your home to haul away your old carpet.
They will transport it directly to a waste management facility instead of you having to lug it to the dump yourself. Look for companies that recycle as much as possible to limit what ends up in a landfill.
Junk removal may cost more than a DIY approach, but it saves the hassle and physical effort of moving a bulky carpet. The service is especially helpful if you don’t have a large vehicle or manpower to transport it yourself.
Cut It Up and Put It Out with Your Regular Trash
If all else fails, you can dispose of a carpet yourself by cutting it up and putting it out with your household trash. This works best for smaller carpet pieces.
First, remove any metal tack strips or grippers so they don’t damage garbage trucks. Roll up the carpet and cut it into manageable sections using a utility knife.
Place the carpet pieces in sealed bags or trash cans labeled “carpet” so waste collectors know what’s inside. Check your local regulations for any limits on carpet disposal or trash collection days.
Breaking up the carpet helps it fit easily into waste trucks without clogging the machinery. But take precautions while cutting to avoid inhaling carpet fibers or dust. Wear gloves, a dust mask and safety goggles.
While not ideal, disposing small amounts of carpet gradually via regular household trash pickup is a free and straightforward option if you can’t carry it to the dump or find other carpet disposal alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it typically cost to have carpeting removed?
The cost to have carpeting removed ranges from $0.50 to $2 per square foot depending on your location and how it will be disposed of. Hiring a professional junk removal service typically costs more than if you dispose of it yourself.
Is it better to remove carpet myself or hire someone?
If you are able-bodied and have a large enough vehicle, it is generally cheaper to remove and dispose of carpet yourself. However, hiring a professional can save time and effort. Evaluate if the ease of hiring a junk removal service is worth the extra cost over a DIY approach.
Can I leave my old carpet on the curb for pickup?
Check local regulations, as some municipalities prohibit leaving carpets on the curb except on special bulk pickup days. Leaving carpet exposed to the elements can also allow mold and mildew to grow. It is usually best to call for a special pickup or deliver it to a waste facility yourself.
What should I do with carpet tack strips?
Used carpet tack strips contain nails and staples that can puncture skin and trash bags. Remove all metal grippers and tack strips prior to disposal and place them in a rigid container marked “sharps.” Many waste facilities have special sharps disposal containers.
Can carpet be recycled?
Unfortunately carpet is very difficult to recycle. The materials and chemicals used to make carpet make it challenging to repurpose or break down. However, try to donate usable carpet before resorting to landfill disposal if possible.
Conclusion
Disposing of old, worn-out carpeting takes a bit of time and effort. But with planning and the right approach, you can get rid of it efficiently. Calling your local waste department, donating, hiring a junk removal service, or cutting it up for regular trash pickup are all viable options depending on your situation.
The best method depends on the size of your carpet, your ability to transport it, and recycling options in your community. Proper disposal keeps bulky carpet out of landfills and reduces waste. So weigh your choices and take the appropriate steps to responsibly get rid of your old floor covering. With a deliberate strategy, you can reclaim your space and say goodbye to that outdated carpet for good.
