Recofloor, the UK's award-winning vinyl flooring recycling scheme managed by Axion Consulting and founded and funded by leading flooring manufacturers Altro and Polyflor, 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 smooth uplifted vinyl, smooth vinyl offcuts and safety flooring offcuts 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.

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 said: "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."

Recofloor benefits local authorities, distributors and contractors in terms of diverting growing volumes of waste vinyl flooring from landfill, reducing disposal costs and helping firms win new business through accentuating 'green' credentials.

Recofloor's 280-plus active members across the UK and Ireland comprise flooring contractors, drop-off sites at flooring distributors and waste transfer stations, as well as construction projects at schools, hospitals and leading retail stores.

Last year, Recofloor won the Innovative Practice in Waste Management and Resource Recovery (SME) category at the 2010 Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Awards for Environmental Excellence. The annual CIWM awards recognise and reward good practice in sustainable waste and resource management. For more information on Recofloor, contact 0161 355 7618 or email recofloor@axionconsulting.co.uk