Learn eco-friendly, stress-free ways to dispose of your old carpet in the Chicagoland area. Tips from local junk removal pros at Junk Donkeys.

How to Responsibly Get Rid of Old Carpet in Chicagoland

Is your old carpet stained, fraying, or just way past its prime? If it’s time to roll it up and move on, you’re not alone—homeowners all over Chicagoland are upgrading their floors and wondering, "What do I do with this giant roll of carpet?"

As a local junk removal company serving the entire Chicagoland area, we at Junk Donkeys have helped hundreds of families and businesses clear out old flooring quickly and responsibly. Before you drag that carpet to the curb or stuff it in a dumpster, here’s what you need to know.

🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Toss Carpet in the Trash

It’s not curb-friendly.

Most municipal waste services around Chicago—including those in suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, and Oak Lawn—don’t accept carpet as regular trash. It’s too bulky and heavy, and often requires special pickup.

It clogs up landfills.

Carpet is made with synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester that don’t decompose. That means when it hits a landfill, it’s staying there… for centuries.

It can contain harmful chemicals.

Many carpets are made with adhesives, flame retardants, and dyes that can release toxins as they break down. Not great for the environment—or your local water table.

It’s recyclable!

Good news: Most carpet materials can be recycled or repurposed. The padding, backing, and fibers can all be processed for reuse—keeping them out of landfills and giving them a second life.

✅ Better Ways to Dispose of Carpet in Chicagoland

♻️ 1. Recycle It

Check with your local county or township recycling center. In Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties, there are specific drop-off locations that may accept carpeting or padding. Visit your county’s recycling site for current rules.

🪑 2. Donate If It’s in Good Condition

Lightly used carpet or large rugs can sometimes be donated to places like:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores

• Salvation Army

• Local animal shelters (they often use carpet remnants in kennels)

🚛 3. Call a Junk Removal Company (Like Us!)

If cutting, rolling, and hauling carpet isn’t on your weekend to-do list, let us help. At Junk Donkeys, we offer fast, professional junk removal across Chicagoland—carpet included. We handle the heavy lifting, dispose of it responsibly, and prioritize recycling whenever possible.

🛠️ How to Prep Carpet for Pickup

• Cut wall-to-wall carpet into 3–4 foot strips

• Roll and secure with duct tape or rope

• Stack it in your garage or outside for easy access

• Separate the padding if you can

Need help removing it from the floor? Just let us know—we can handle that too.

Why Chicagoland Trusts Junk Donkeys

We’re not a national chain—we’re your neighbors. We live and work in the same communities we serve, and we take pride in offering:

• Quick scheduling (same-day or next-day in most areas)

• Eco-conscious disposal practices

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• Friendly, respectful crew who treats your home like their own

Let’s Get That Old Carpet Out of Your Life

Whether you’re in Elgin, Naperville, Oak Park, or anywhere in between, Junk Donkeys is here to help. Call us at ‪(224) 484-9225‬ or book online for fast, affordable carpet removal in Chicagoland.