In Q4 2019, CARE reports another record quarter for the recycling rate and continues a dramatic increase in performance.
Unfortunately, two major recycled output projects, both CARE grant recipients, were unable to start up during 2019 due to factors beyond their control, including permit delays and failure of PG&E to deliver power. This impacted the Recycling Rate for Q4, which reached 22.5 percent, a Q4 high, but short of the 24% goal. Nevertheless, this rate represents a 44% increase over Q4 2018.
While the normal Q4 seasonal slowdown was observed and considering sales of new carpet set another new low, recycled output remained strong. In terms of collection, Q4 ended with 73 public drop-off sites, an increase of 20 sites over the end of 2018. CARE 2019 collections were up 28% over 2018, and the number of counties serviced rose by three to fifty.
Overall 2019 was a very good year in terms of growth in the recycling rate. See presentation below for details.