The California carpet industry sets the pace by surpassing recycling goal for 2nd year

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) announces that the California Carpet Stewardship Program has surpassed its annual carpet recycling goal for the second year in a row. The new data released by the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) show the Program achieved a 35.1% recycling rate in 2023, surpassing its target goal of 31%. This achievement is attributed to collaborative efforts between the carpet industry and CalRecycle.

As significant contributors to carpet recycling in California, The CRI and our members are encouraged by the ongoing accomplishments of the California Carpet Stewardship Program. The continued growth is a clear indication of the valuable collaboration among carpet manufacturers, retailers, installers and consumers to promote the responsible disposal and recycling of carpet. The CRI, representing carpet manufacturing industry nationwide, remains engaged with CARE and the recycling industry to fulfill California’s legislative and environmental objectives in carpet recycling and continue to exceed the goals of the Program. We also are committed to advocating for market-based solutions for post-consumer recycling, which support our environment, industry, and consumers.

Russ DeLozier, president of The CRI

The 2023 Program successes and milestones include:

• Exceeded recycling rate target at 35.1% vs. a goal of 31% for the year.
• Met 12 of 13 goals and hit 95% of the 13th goal – recycling efficiency.
• 75% of total subsides paid in state to California-based recyclers.
• 79% of all recycled pounds were generated in California.
• Cumulative gross collections in California now exceed 1.3B pounds (or 650,000 tons).
• Carpet recycling employs more than 200 jobs in California.
• Over $154,000,000 in total subsidies have been paid to recyclers.

The accomplishments of the Carpet Stewardship Program result from expanding awareness among all stakeholders to increase knowledge of drop-off sites, ultimately enhancing accessibility for California residents and encouraging proper disposal practices, notes CRI. The increase in recycling rates not only reduces landfill waste, but also supports the circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled.

To learn more, visit The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) or Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)