June 2022
Thomas Coates Named CA Program Director
Thomas Coates has been named the new California Carpet Stewardship Program Director, starting July 5th. From 2016-2022, Coates served as Lead Program Manager, Environmental & Compliance for the City of Ontario, CA. He previously worked as Program Specialist for San Bernardino County and as Sustainability Analyst/Coordinator for CR&R Environmental Services in Stanton, CA. Thomas holds a master’s in Business Management from University of Redlands and a bachelor’s in Communications from Cal State - San Bernardino.

CARE Executive Director Bob Peoples noted, “I am delighted that Thomas has accepted to become our next California Program Director. His wide-ranging skills and experience make him the ideal person to take our growing program to the next level, while creatively working with the challenges that arise. In addition, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and thank Interim Program Director Abbie Beane. We would not be where we are today if not for her commitment, intellect and dedication to CARE, our people and this program. Her leadership has been superb.”
Record Recycling Rate Reached in Q1 2022
The carpet recycling rate in California for Q1 2022 hit a record 34.1%. The 18.1 million pounds of recycled output represents a 13% increase over Q4 2021. Executive Director Bob Peoples noted, “With this 34% milestone, we are off to a good start in 2022. While we are concerned about certain economic trends and about ongoing impacts from the COVID epidemic, it is great to see our six-year growth trend continue for another quarter.” The target recycling rate for 2022 set by CARE’s Five-Year Plan is 26%. 

At its 20th anniversary conference in May, CARE announced the availability of two commercially acceptable fiber identification devices. These devices are essential for the efficient sorting of carpet collected for recycling. This is a major development after the only active company exited the business last December. 
CalRecycle Approves Program Goals for 2023-27
Last month CalRecycle’s director approved California Carpet Stewardship Program goals for 2023 to 2027. The approved goals include recycling rates, recycling efficiency rates, collection rates, public access to drop-off sites, and flooring proximity to drop-off sites. The goals will be incorporated into the next Five-Year Plan that is currently being prepared. CARE has expressed some major concerns about the goals and the expansion of added metrics.
 
Recycling Article Reaches Readers of 43 Media Outlets
An article, “4 Ways to Protect the Planet by Recycling Right," a collaboration by CARE with three other product stewardship groups, was placed in 43 online media outlets across the state in April and May this year. This is the second such “partner article" that the four groups – CARE, PaintCare, Mattress Recycling Council and Call2Recycle – have crafted collaboratively to raise public awareness about the recyclability of carpet, batteries, paint and mattresses.

The article (view in the Los Angeles Times here) makes the connection between recycling and mitigating climate change and gives basic instruction on how to recycle these products with links to more information.
CARE Is Hiring
CARE is seeking qualified individuals to join the California Carpet Stewardship Program team. Click the link below to learn more and apply:
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. For current assessment information, visit the CARE website.
  • 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.