Question 1

What is the rug recycling process?

Accepted Answer

TRAKS sort rugs and furnishing textiles by fibres, composition and colour. It is important that all fixtures, labels and materials that currently cannot be recycled, have been removed so as not to contaminate a bale.

Each batch is cleaned, shredded, processed and then spun into recycled yarn. TRAKS does not export products to other countries for dumping. Our processes are transparent and documented.

Please note the do’s and don’ts for furnishing textiles on the furnishings page.

Question 2

Why can’t all the rug recycling be done in Australia?

Accepted Answer

In the 1980’s Australia exported most of its manufacturing offshore and much of the machinery and skill set were removed.It will take time to re-build the industry and due to the amount of textiles that need to be recycled we will continue to also use the pathway existing in India.

TRAKS is aiming to process part of the recycling here in Australia. However spinning of yarn will still be done offshore due to the resources available. We are also working on local research and development for other ways to recycle textiles.

TRAKS would like to acknowledge that textile waste is a global problem and utilise existing avenues for recycling whilst also working on local solutions as we re-build manufacturing here in Australia.

Question 3

How can I tell how much my rug weights?

Accepted Answer

We don’t expect you to know how much your rug weighs so a good indication is below. Please note that if the size you choose in your cart differs extremely we will contact you to discuss solutions. 
Rugs that are 20kgs and under tend to be able to be picked up quite easily by one person and are usually less than 2m x 2m, depending on composition. For example a jute rug may be lighter than a woollen rug.

Rugs that weigh between 21kgs and 50kgs usually requires 2 people to pick it up and larger and is a pretty standard 2m x 3m rug

Rugs that are between 51kgs and 70kgs tend to need to be professionally placed and moved. Sizes can vary

Question 4

I’ve booked my rug collection, now what?

Accepted Answer

If possible we ask that each rug is as clean as possible. We cannot accept rugs that are contaminated this includes being feces stained, infested with moths or other insects.

Wine and coffee stains are okay as long as it is not through the entire rug.

If the rug isn’t in storage please try and vacuum, then roll or fold your rug up.

If you have rolled the rug up, width ways please keep each end tied with a rope or heavy string.

Please try and keep rugs under shelter before being picked up.

We cannot accept rugs that have been kept out in the rain for a long length of time.

If you are dropping your rugs off, please make sure that the rug has been stored out of the rain.

Question 5

Why can’t the council just pick my up unwanted rug, why do I have to book
through TRAKS?

Accepted Answer

TRAKS is the first local rug recycling program, councils do not have the capacity to pick up rugs other than in council clean ups - however the rugs will end up in landfill. 
Our team is in discussion with the government and councils to find solutions, yet please understand that recycling and environmental waste management takes time - as we all know Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Question 6

Our textile bin for rug recycling is full, what do I do now?

Accepted Answer

Simply email us at recycle@trakstextiles.com and we can organise for it to be picked up.

Question 7

What do you define as a furnishing textile?

Accepted Answer

TRAKS can accept the following:

Drapery with hooks (and if possible headers) taken off 
Cushions, ottomans, pillows, sofa covers, bedlinen, duvets. 
Sheer fabrics and offcuts (no metallic) 
Drapery fabrics and offcuts 
Fabrics, synthetic, mixed and natural fibres, however we cannot accept coated fabrics such as blockouts. 
Upholstery fabrics (however fabrics with an adhesive coating cannot be accepted) 
Samples (labels, stickers and staples removed) 
The feeler on the back of a hanger that has been cut off a header 
Dacron but not foam

If you are not sure, please contact us.

Question 8

What do you define as a rug?

Accepted Answer

TRAKS’s definition of a rug is a ‘loose lay rug’.

A commercial rug that has been installed into an entrance with adhesives is considered a modular tile or carpet. 
For underlay we ask you get in touch before sending us any offcuts.

We can accept rug samples, cuttings, swatches etc however we asked that all labels, stickers and staples have been removed.

If you are not sure, please contact us.

Question 9

What about carpets, can you recycle them?

Accepted Answer

At this stage we are working on research and development to recycle carpets. This is in pilot stage but once we have commercial capabilities we will update you.

Question 10

What do you define as a furnishing textile?

Accepted Answer

TRAKS can accept the following: 
Drapery without hooks (and if possible headers) taken off 
Cushions, ottomans, pillows, sofa covers, bedlinen, duvets.  
Sheer fabrics and offcuts (no metallic) 
Drapery fabrics and offcuts 
Fabrics, synthetic, mixed and natural fibres, however we cannot accept  coated or metallic fabrics such as blockouts and sheers with metal  fibres. 
Upholstery fabrics (however fabrics with an adhesive coating cannot be  accepted) Samples (labels, stickers and staples removed) The feeler on the back of a hanger that has been cut off a header 
Dacron but not foam If you are not sure, please contact us.

Please do NOT send if unsure we  need a sample to test before we can approve.

Question 11

What do you define as a rug?

Accepted Answer

TRAKS’s definition of a rug is a ‘loose lay rug’. A commercial rug that  has been installed into an entrance with adhesives is considered a  modular tile or carpet. For underlay we ask you get in touch before  sending us any offcuts.

We can accept rug samples, cuttings, swatches etc however we asked  that all labels, stickers and staples have been removed.

If you are not sure, please contact us.

Question 12

Textile Bin Sizes

Accepted Answer

Please measure the space you will keep your textile recycling bin in before we organise drop off of  the bin.

If you would like to use your own bins, boxes etc and drop off to site, please make sure to  email recycle@trakstextiles.com with any documentation.  Thank you for keeping textiles out of landfill.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rug recycling process?

Why can’t all the rug recycling be done in Australia?

How can I tell how much my rug weights?

I’ve booked my rug collection, now what?

Why can’t the council just pick my up unwanted rug, why do I have to book through TRAKS?

Our textile bin for rug recycling is full, what do I do now?

What do you define as a furnishing textile?

What do you define as a rug?

What about carpets, can you recycle them?

What do you define as a furnishing textile?

What do you define as a rug?

Textile Bin Sizes

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