Carpet Alternative ways to recycle Donate or Sell if Usable Special Management Instructions Donate or sell gently used carpets in your community or to your nearest reuse store. Otherwise, ask carpet manufacturers or installation services if they offer take-back or recycling programs. As a last resort, carpets and rugs that are no longer usable can be cut into smaller pieces and placed in the trash. Or, larger pieces of carpet or rugs can be brought to a landfill or transfer station, or placed out by the curb if local pick-up is available in your community. Alternative Ways to Recycle Ask the Carpet Installer Some carpet retailers have recycling programs already in place. Ask the carpet installer if they participate in recycling programs for old carpet. Ways to Reduce Purchase an Eco-Friendly Carpet Consider purchasing an eco-friendly carpet to reduce your environmental impact. The most eco-friendly carpets are made from natural, renewable fibers, such as wool, seagrass, jute and organic cotton. Did You Know? Carpet’s Surprising Impact on the Environment Carpet has the fourth largest greenhouse gas footprint of any product waste in California and currently, less than 50 percent of it is recycled in the southern part of the state.