Cornwall-based Absolute Flooring SW has been rewarded for its environmental efforts in diverting waste vinyl flooring from landfill with an award from Recofloor, the flooring sector’s sustainable take-back scheme for commercial waste vinyl generated from all types of projects.

The Indian Queens specialist hard flooring contractor was named Drop-Off Site User of the Year in the 2021 Recofloor Awards, having collected around two tonnes of material for recycling throughout last year, despite the pandemic challenges.

Established more than 11 years ago by flooring manufacturers Polyflor and Altro, the scheme diverts waste vinyl flooring from landfill. To date, more than 5,500 tonnes of material has been recycled through Recofloor and used in new products, including flooring.

The UK-wide scheme collects a range of flooring types, such as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs), smooth, safety and loose lay vinyl offcuts, roll ends as well as uplifted smooth and loose lay vinyl via contractors and distributors, as well from larger project sites.

“It was a pleasant surprise to hear that we had won and that our efforts had been recognised,” says Ben Clarkson, Absolute Flooring SW Surveyor. “We were put forward by one of our distributors, Fitwell Flooring, due to the sheer volumes of recyclable material we were delivering to them for recycling through Recofloor.”

The company has participated in Recofloor for five years and uses the scheme heavily on social housing contracts. Clean materials that can be recycled through the scheme are stored in a dedicated recycling area. When full, these are dropped off at nearby Fitwell Flooring in a single trip to limit vehicle usage and reduce their carbon footprint.

During quieter times in the lockdowns, the team took stock of any unused and waste flooring materials that could be taken to Fitwell Flooring once restrictions were lifted. “Then towards the end of 2020 when we became immensely busy due to infection control works, we could ensure materials would be recycled and free up space,” continues Ben.

The best thing about using Recofloor, he says, is “peace of mind in knowing that any clean materials that can be recycled are being dealt with in the right way, as well as lower costs from not using general waste skips.” 

Under the scheme, dropping off waste vinyl at flooring distributors is free of charge, helping to save on disposal costs. The standard rate Landfill Tax in England for 2021/22 is currently £96.70 per tonne.

Ben adds: “We use Recofloor because we appreciate how important it is for every supplier, manufacturer and contractor to do their bit in helping the environment where possible. Using the scheme allows you to promote your company in a positive way by showing you recycle in any way you can.

“It’s such a simple process to use and we will certainly be continuing our efforts for 2021 and beyond!”

Congratulating the team on their award, Recofloor Scheme Manager, Carla Eslava says: “As a company committed to recycling their vinyl flooring waste, Absolute Flooring SW is a great example of how using Recofloor at participating flooring distributors contributes to the sustainability of the flooring sector and helps to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.”