ResiLoop has unveiled a collection network scheme for the construction industry to divert floorcovering waste from landfills. As flooring contractors are now registered with the scheme across the greater metropolitan Melbourne area, recovery and recycling of floorcovering waste is finally feasible.

Melbourne generates around 12.5 million square metres of resilient flooring waste annually, and about 15% of which has never been walked on. ResiLoop is collecting the relatively clean material, which Victorian manufacturer Think Manufacturing processes into durable garden edging products.

This scheme comes at a key time, with the construction sector under pressure to reduce landfill waste and adopt circular economy principles.

“This is a straightforward system that turns waste into resources and develops recycling options, but requires some change in approach by the industry,” ResiLoop chief executive Sophi MacMillan says.

“We already have 17 leading products on board, so there is a wide range of eligible vinyl and LVT products collectible under ResiLoop that can be specified in projects. In addition, we have flooring contractors who are registered with ResiLoop and able to collect the waste from commercial and residential projects.”

Sophi adds that ResiLoop keeps a register on its website of the contractors, so projects can confirm they are dealing with a ResiLoop partner.

Victorian construction projects are encouraged to include appropriate clauses in job tenders and scopes of works requesting floor laying trades to remove installation waste from sites.

Projects where large areas of resilient floorcoverings are specified can enrol directly in ResiLoop.

Sophie states that success in achieving ResiLoop’s ambitious targets depends on industry participants recognising the benefits of collaborating to drive momentum in establishing the infrastructure needed in Australia.

“We’re already seeking tens of tonnes of material every month to direct to our existing recycling partner, and are investing in research and trials to develop new end markets for the hard-to-recycle materials,” she says.

“It’s vital to work collectively with all those involved in the specification, procurement and project management of flooring installation to access these materials before they reach landfill. Now is the time to get involved.”