Abstract: A method of processing waste carpet or matting material to separate constituent materials thereof, includes optionally drying the material and then cooling the material to a temperature at which at least one constituent material therein is embrittled. A mechanical force is applied to the cooled material causing the embrittled constituent material to break into fragments. Optionally, the material from the previous step is dried. The material is then separated to separate the fragments of constituent material from other constituent material. The carpet material can be initially shredded into coarse pieces. The procedure may be repeated optionally with different temperatures to selectively embrittle and fragment different components and facilitate their separation.