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 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,” commented 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 continued. “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 explained: “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.”

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.