Engaged as demolition contractor for a major school remodelling project, new Recofloor members Rhodar discovered how to best use the scheme to maximise the amount of uplifted vinyl for recycling.  

Rhodar were introduced to Recofloor by Morgan Sindall, main contractors for the project, the Dixons Newall Green Academy in Manchester. 

“As demolition experts, we have always maximised re-use and recycling. We are also now on a net zero pathway,” says Rhodar’s Senior Contracts Manager, John Duggan. “When we heard about Recofloor from Morgan Sindall, we could see immediately that the scheme made sense.”  

Uplifted material collected by Recofloor is processed by either Altro or Polyflor, the scheme founders, before being sent to a UK recycling firm for use in traffic cones and similar products. This fits perfectly with both Rhodar and Morgan Sindall’s sustainability commitments. 

Recofloor assessment 

Before starting to strip out the old flooring, Rhodar contacted Recofloor for an assessment of what might be suitable for recycling. While too much screed and adhesive can ruin collection containers and machinery, the scheme can normally accept smooth uplifted vinyl where the screed or adhesive is no more than 3mm deep.  

Recofloor scheme manager Carla Eslava visited the site, and was able to identify that around 20% of the material could be collected and recycled.  

Recofloor deployment tips 

As the Rhodar team got to work, they learnt the importance of following best Recofloor practice. To be recycled successfully, suitable material must be separated and kept clear from contamination. Any contamination from general waste or unsuitable vinyl can make a complete batch unusable.  

The team’s experience of putting Recofloor into practice for the first time highlights four key tips for success:  

• Ask Recofloor for a checklist and toolkit. This makes it easy to put the correct steps into practice. 
• Follow storage and collection guidelines. The guidelines are simple, but it’s vital to follow them so that recyclable material is kept separate in secure containers.  
• Allow enough time when booking collections. Don’t wait until containers are already almost full, as this may mean further material can’t be stored correctly and becomes contaminated.  
• Maintain frequent and clear communication with all parties involved, including onsite personnel and other trades. It’s important to agree logistics that work for everyone, and to make sure it’s clear to all on site that Recofloor bins are for waste vinyl only. 

Rhodar received a Recofloor collection certificate as evidence of their efforts. 

If you’re preparing to uplift vinyl from a project site, get in touch with Recofloor for an assessment, and see how much material you could save from landfill or incineration.