More than 8,000 tonnes of waste vinyl flooring have now been collected and recycled through Recofloor, the UK’s industry-led scheme founded by Altro and Polyflor in 2009. The milestone underlines Recofloor’s growing role in helping main contractors and flooring contractors meet waste flooring management and sustainability targets set out in their business plans.
With flooring projects typically producing substantial quantities of waste, the choice about vinyl disposal must be taken responsibly. Flooring contractors who adopt Recofloor, know it becomes a straightforward way to save waste for recycling, reduce disposal costs by up to 60% and improve project’s environmental impact by offering an alternative to traditional waste disposal routes through waste contractors.
Recofloor accepts a wide range of commercial vinyl, including luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), smooth, safety and loose‑lay vinyl offcuts and roll‑ends, as well as uplifted smooth and loose‑lay flooring. The service integrates easily into large live construction sites through lockable wheelie bins or bulk bags, with free collections from site or from contractors’ premises.
Importantly for contractors, Recofloor provides collection certificates upon request of a project’s completion, outlining volumes collected and associated savings. These can be used directly within waste management plans, BREEAM assessments and client reporting.
Proven performance on live projects
Recofloor’s value is best demonstrated on site. At Weldon Village Academy in Northamptonshire, flooring contractor Hillside Contracts, working with main contractor BAM Construct UK, collected 1.41 tonnes of vinyl offcuts from a 3,000 m² new‑build installation. Strategically positioned lockable Recofloor bins allowed fitters to dispose of waste quickly while minimising contamination from other trades. Clear signage and site briefings ensured compliance, and BAM Construct UK received full certification confirming the volumes recycled and carbon savings achieved.
At the Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Centre in Aberdeen, the scale of the project demanded a robust waste solution. Working with main contractor Graham Construction, flooring specialist Veitchi Flooring implemented Recofloor across a 23,400 m² Polyflor installation, collecting almost 9 tonnes of vinyl offcuts. Careful planning allowed Recofloor bins to be transported efficiently to upper levels using telescopic forklifts, then wheeled into position as work progressed. The approach ensured waste was managed safely, cleanly and in line with the project’s environmental objectives.
Both projects highlight how early engagement and practical planning allow Recofloor to dovetail with contractors’ logistics, programming and waste segregation requirements — key considerations within modern construction management.
Carla Eslava, Recofloor Scheme Manager, says:
“Contractors are under increasing pressure to evidence how waste is being managed on site. Recofloor is a great service that supports contractors by providing a practical service, collection stats and costs savings.
“Looking ahead, Recofloor will continue to work closely with contractors, distributors and specifiers to increase uptake on major projects, reinforcing its role as a trusted service and a circular solution for commercial vinyl flooring waste across the UK.”
Recofloor is the UK’s leading vinyl take back scheme. It is free to join and simple to use. To find out more, go to www.recofloor.org or contact Recofloor on 0161 355 7618 or at info@recofloor.org.
