February 2022
Differential Assessments Take Effect April 1; Prepare Now
CARE’s differential assessment plan, which CalRecycle has conditionally approved, will take effect on April 1, 2022. The differential assessment is based on two factors: material type – broadloom vs. tile – and the percent of post-consumer (PC) content in new carpet. The plan has four levels of assessment:
Carpet retailers in the state have been alerted by mail and email and are advised to begin planning immediately for the point-of-purchase changes needed to correctly assign the assessment and collect it from customers. Carpet mills will be responsible for advising retailers on which products qualify as having greater than 10 percent post-consumer material. CARE will supply point-of-purchase signage as well as training support materials for sales staff along with additional outreach in the coming weeks.

See CARE’s Differential Assessments webpage for details and an introductory video.

CalRecycle reviewed CARE's plan amendment and found that CARE did not adequately address CalRecycle's conditions for approval. CARE is required to resubmit its plan amendment by February 21, 2022, to address the issues specified in CalRecycle's December 22, 2021, Request for Approval. This does NOT change the April 1, 2022 implementation date for differential assessments. 

Retailers are urged to visit the CARE website for the latest developments.
New Grant Cycle Aims to Boost Collection
CARE has launched a new grant program aimed at increasing the convenience and amount of post-consumer carpet collection. The New Collection Strategies/Small Infrastructure Award Pilot Program will provide funding for new initiatives and strategies that will increase, improve and enhance the collection of California-generated post-consumer carpet (PCC) or introduce strategies to significantly increase current PCC collection from locations not currently recycling with CARE or CARE partners. The precise focus of this Pilot Program is subject to adjustment by CARE, consistent with the overall goals of the Program. Grant program applications are due no later than March 31, 2022.

CARE has allocated $150,000 to award to the top three to six projects chosen for funding by March 31, 2022. Maximum award is $50,000, and awardees must achieve project completion by June 30, 2023. 

For complete details and application procedure, see the CARE Grants webpage.
Retailer Reminder: CalRecycle Checks for Compliance
CalRecycle provides enforcement oversight of California's carpet stewardship law. CalRecycle evaluates compliance through various means including, but not limited to, site inspections and documentation checks. Failure to comply with requirements of the carpet law and/or submitting false or misleading information may result in penalties of up to $10,000 per day. See details about the carpet stewardship law and monitor CalRecycle’s website for product compliance at CalRecycle.ca.gov/Carpet. Through the CARE retailer outreach program, CARE helps to make retailers aware of the requirements and be prepared for a visit.
As a reminder, CalRecycle requires:
  • All invoices must have the assessment clearly and correctly labeled as a separate line item.
  • Retailers must purchase carpet from carpet manufacturers in compliance with the carpet stewardship law. See the list on the CalRecycle website here.
  • Retailers are required by law to monitor CalRecycle’s website to determine if the sale of a manufacturer’s carpet is in compliance with the carpet stewardship law.
  • Retailers must retain records for three fiscal years.
CARE on the Road at CAPPO
CARE’s Product and Market Development Manager Rob Thiess tabled at the 105th annual California Association of Public Procurement Officers (CAPPO) Conference last month in Pasadena. In addition to promoting products with post-consumer carpet content and the message that carpet is recyclable, Rob emphasized with attendees the importance of including contract language around carpet recycling for all projects.
minneapolis and CARE conference logo
20th Annual Conference Set for May 3-4 in Minneapolis
CARE’s next annual conference, the organization’s 20th, is scheduled for May 3-4 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis. 
Confirmed speakers include:
  • Floor Focus Publisher Kemp Harr on the State of the Industry
  • Consultant Perc Pineda on a U.S. Economic Update
  • Romanoff Renovations’ Al Perreca on Sales Trends in Current Installations amd
  • More to come!

Attendees will gain insights on new products and technologies in carpet recycling, lessons from the field, research insights and updates on industry trends. Most importantly, this first in-person conference since 2019 will allow for those all-important face-to-face discussions that build rapport and lead to new opportunities. Mark your calendar!

Registration opens March 1; see CarpetRecovery.org/Conference.