Recofloor Newsletter 9
Recofloor welcomes Independent Floorcovering Distributors Association membership
Recofloor has welcomed 20 new members from The Independent Floorcovering Distributors Association (IFDA) – a move that brings major benefits for both organisations.
These 20 distributors add another 32 drop-off sites to the nationwide network – making a total of 65 drop-off sites where flooring companies can deposit vinyl flooring for recycling. More sites are planned for 2011.
Of the 32 branches, 12 were already Recofloor members, including distributors Kent Flooring and STS Flooring (Orpington) which both received Silver Certificates in last year’s Awards for recycling the most waste vinyl flooring in 2010.
Recofloor’s Matthew Charlton (left) with IFDA President, Paul Carvall
IFDA President Paul Carvall worked with Recofloor on developing a national scheme that enables their members to offer a UK-wide recycling service to their customers. This fits in with their localised IFDA-Link service where branches ‘inter-trade’ with each other across the UK to order goods.
Paul says: “Joining Recofloor provides a perfect fit with our existing network across the UK and full membership builds on our commitment to reducing waste to landfill, bringing environmental and economic benefits for all.”
Recofloor Project Manager, Jane Gardner says: “IFDA’s membership is a very positive step forward for Recofloor as the addition of 20 more drop-off sites will help to increase the volumes of waste flooring collected for recycling.
“This benefits members by giving them more choice and flexibility in where they can deposit material. Additionally, by demonstrating their commitment to recycling, it can also help them to win new business.”
Jane adds: “IFDA members were among the first distributors to provide Recofloor drop-off points for their customers. We are delighted that the IFDA has further strengthened their support for the scheme and shown their commitment as a group to vinyl flooring recycling.”
Drop-off sites can be found on the Drop-off site directory on www.recofloor.org or contact your local IFDA distributor for more information.
Contamination of collected flooring material
In order for vinyl flooring to be successfully recycled, it is important that it is free of contaminants. The photo below shows a collection of blades that were found recently in a Recofloor collection bin. It is unacceptable to mix blades and material for recycling. Unwanted objects such as nails, screws, bottles of adhesive and blades can damage recycling machinery and pose a safety hazard to employees. Recurring instances of this from members will mean that Recofloor will have to withdraw collections from these members.
We advise that blades and other sharps be disposed of in a specially designed ‘sharps bin’ which is widely available.
If you would like us to visit your business and host a ‘toolbox talk’ to explain the material specification and safe disposal of unwanted items, please call Matthew Charlton on 0161 355 7618.
Prices
The collection charge has remained unchanged since the scheme began in September 2009, despite increasing fuel costs and the increase in VAT. We have therefore reluctantly taken the decision to increase prices for Recofloor collections effective from 1st May 2011. Recofloor collection prices are:
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Collection from a
contractor’s depot or site
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£7.50
per bulk bag/pallet
(minimum collection 2 bags)
|
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Collection from a live
construction and refurbishment site
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£10
per bulk bag/pallet
(minimum collection 2 bags)
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Recofloor at the Scottish Flooring Show
Team members Matthew Charlton and Helen Graham represented Recofloor at the recent Scottish Flooring show held in Bellshill. Matthew comments: “The show attracted good visitor numbers keeping us busy throughout the two days and providing us with a great opportunity to promote the Recofloor scheme.”
Recofloor website
The Recofloor website is now live! Please take a look at www.recofloor.org. The site is packed with useful information and features.
Cost Calculator
We have included a ‘cost calculator’ which enables you to enter your current waste costs and work out the potential savings that you can make by collecting your vinyl flooring waste for Recofloor.
Drop-off Site Directory
Find the most convenient drop-off site for you by either clicking on the interactive map or by entering the name of your town or your post code into our Drop-off site directory.
You can download a PDF of the newsletter here.