How to Dispose of Your Old Carpet

So, your old carpet has finally got to go. Maybe it's stained, worn out, or you just want a fresh look for your space. Tearing it up is the easy part,  but now it’s sitting there rolled up in the corner, taking up space, and you are wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, you’ve got options, and we’re here to walk you through them.

Can It Still Be Used?

Before tossing it out, take a good look. Is it still in decent shape? If it’s not too dirty or damaged, it might be usable for someone else. Some people use old carpet in their garage or workshop. Animal shelters also sometimes accept rugs to line pet crates or kennel areas.

That said, if your carpet smells bad, has mold, or is falling apart, it’s not worth keeping. In that case, it's better to move on to proper disposal.

What About Recycling?

Yes, carpets can be recycled, but not in the same way as bottles or cans. Most carpets are made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. These don’t break down easily in landfills, but they can be reused in things like insulation, plastic products, or new carpet backing.

You’ll need to find a facility that accepts carpet recycling, though. They’ll separate the fibers and backing before reprocessing. The padding underneath can sometimes be recycled too. 

Check Your City’s Disposal Rules

Each city has different rules about how to throw away bulky items like carpets. Some allow it on certain pickup days, while others ask that you drop it off at a waste center. You might need to roll it up, tie it, or even cut it into smaller pieces and in some areas, if you leave it on the curb without checking the rules, you could get fined.

To avoid all the confusion and extra work, many people just call in a junk removal company. At The Junk Boys, we know the rules for every local area, so we’ll take care of it properly.

Prepping the Carpet for Pickup

If you’re planning to dispose of the carpet yourself, it helps to prepare it right. Here’s a quick way to do that:

• Cut it up: Use a sharp knife to cut the carpet into strips around 3 to 4 feet wide. This makes it much easier to carry.

• Roll and secure: Roll each strip tightly and tape it so it doesn’t come undone. Do the same with the padding.

• Keep it dry: If your carpet gets wet, it becomes heavier and more difficult to move. Store it in a dry area until it’s picked up.

These steps can make the whole process easier for you or anyone else who’s hauling it away.

Should You Take It to the Dump?

Sure, you can take your old carpet to the landfill. But here’s what you need to think about: you’ll probably need a truck, you may have to pay a dump fee, and you’ll be spending your day loading, driving, and unloading it yourself. For a lot of people, that’s more hassle than it’s worth.

If your time is limited or you don’t want to deal with it, that’s where junk removal pros come in handy.

Why Let The Junk Boys Handle It?

At The Junk Boys, we’ve handled all kinds of junk, including heavy, smelly, rolled-up carpets. We come right to your home or office, pick it up, and dispose of it the right way. Whether that means donating it, recycling it, or making sure it ends up at the right facility, we do all the legwork so you don’t have to.

We also handle other stuff, like old furniture, boxes, appliances, and even leftover construction waste. So if you’re getting rid of your carpet as part of a bigger project, we’ve got you covered.

In a Nutshell

Getting rid of an old carpet doesn’t have to be a pain. You can try recycling, donating, or taking it to a disposal site, or you can save yourself the trouble and call in the pros. Either way, now you know your options.

Need help fast? Call our Kissimmee & St. Cloud carpet removal teams at The Junk Boys today, and let us handle the heavy stuff. We make junk disappear, no stress, no mess.