


Adding collection bins for different types of materials can reduce the number of recyclables that end up in landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found plastics made up 18% of materials in landfills in 2018.

To help commercial facilities improve their recycling efforts, Sofidel, a global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, shares four best practices ahead of America Recycles Day, celebrated on November 15. The United States generates the most plastic waste compared to any other country-roughly 42 million metric tons per year. Future research should consider enhancing knowledge related to the impact of carpet in the indoor environment and how we might improve the design and maintenance of this common material to reduce our exposure to harmful contaminants while retaining the benefits to consumers.NovemTips for improving recycling efforts ahead of America Recycles Day Current standards and recommendations focus largely on carpets as a primary source of chemicals and on limiting moisture that would support microbial growth. However, the health implications of these processes are not well known, nor how cleaning practices could be optimized to minimize potential negative impacts. Overall, it is clear that carpet can influence our exposures to particles and volatile compounds in the indoor environment by acting as a direct source, as a reservoir of environmental contaminants, and as a surface supporting chemical and biological transformations. After describing the current use of carpet indoors, questions focus on five specific areas: 1) indoor chemistry, 2) indoor microbiology, 3) resuspension and exposure, 4) current practices and future needs, and 5) sustainability. The goal of this manuscript is to consolidate what is known about how carpet impacts indoor chemistry and microbiology, as well as to identify the important research gaps that remain. How carpets influence our exposure to both microorganisms and chemicals in indoor environments has important health implications but is not well understood. Carpet and rugs currently represent about half of the United States flooring market and offer many benefits as a flooring type.
