Flooring removal is often seen as just the messy first step in a renovation, but at Six Floors Down, we believe it’s also a golden opportunity to make sustainable choices. Whether you're upgrading carpet, tile, hardwood, or vinyl, how you handle the disposal of your old flooring can have a lasting impact on the environment.
With showrooms in Westerville, OH, and Pickerington, OH, we’re proud to help homeowners and businesses take a more eco-conscious approach to flooring removal. Here’s how you can recycle, repurpose, or responsibly dispose of old flooring materials instead of sending them to the landfill.
Hardwood: repurpose or donate
If you're removing solid or engineered hardwood floors, don’t assume they need to go to the dumpster. Hardwood is one of the most versatile materials to repurpose. Many old planks still have plenty of life left—perfect for DIY projects like shelving, wall paneling, or furniture building.
If you’re not interested in repurposing it yourself, consider donating the usable boards to local salvage centers or non-profits like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. These organizations often accept flooring materials and resell them at discounted prices to others in need.
Carpet: recycling programs are key
Carpet is one of the most commonly replaced types of flooring—and also one of the hardest to recycle unless you work with the right partner. Fortunately, Six Floors Down works with carpet manufacturers and recycling centers to help ensure your old carpet doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Many types of synthetic carpet, especially nylon and polyester, can be broken down and turned into new carpet fiber, insulation, or automotive parts. Just be sure the carpet is dry and relatively clean before recycling. Padding can often be recycled separately through foam recovery programs.
Tile and stone: creative reuse
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are incredibly durable, which also makes them challenging to dispose of. Instead of tossing them, consider ways they can be reused around your home. Broken tile pieces can be used in garden paths, mosaics, coasters, or decorative planters. Full tiles can be donated or sold through online marketplaces or to local reuse centers.
If the tile is still in good condition, it's also worth asking your installer whether it can be carefully removed and reinstalled in a different space, such as a garage or laundry room.
Vinyl and laminate: responsible disposal
Vinyl and laminate flooring require special consideration. While older versions may not be recyclable due to mixed materials or adhesives, many modern luxury vinyl products (LVP and LVT) are manufactured with recycling in mind.
Some flooring manufacturers offer take-back programs, especially if you’re installing new floors from the same brand. At Six Floors Down, we can help you determine whether your removed flooring qualifies for recycling or if it should be sent to an appropriate disposal facility that handles non-hazardous building waste responsibly.
The Six Floors Down difference
Our team goes beyond standard flooring removal by offering guidance on sustainable disposal options tailored to your specific flooring type. We can even help coordinate pick-up or drop-off with local recycling partners in the Westerville and Pickerington communities.
We also take extra care during flooring removal to preserve as much of the old material as possible, so it can be reused, donated, or properly recycled. By choosing an experienced and environmentally-conscious flooring contractor, you’re not only upgrading your floors—you’re reducing your project’s ecological footprint.
Choose smarter flooring removal for your next project
If you're ready to renovate your floors and want to do it the eco-friendly way, Six Floors Down is here to help. From careful planning to sustainable disposal, our flooring removal services make it easy to protect the environment while updating your home or business.
Contact us today or stop by our showrooms in Westerville, OH, or Pickerington, OH to learn more about how we make green flooring removal simple and stress-free.
