CARE News – Page 26

CARE Announces Changes to California Carpet Stewardship Program

February 16, 2015

CARE has announced an updated assessment fee of 10 cents per square yard at the point of sale on all carpet sold and/or shipped in California, effective April 1.

This rate is an increase from the previous assessment amount of 5 cents per square yard, and is collected as a non-taxed item on the invoice throughout the sales and distribution chain, to the final customer. The new assessment will add less than $5 to the cost of carpeting for the average home.

CARE is the nonprofit organization serving as the legislatively designated Carpet Stewardship Organization for the California Carpet Stewardship Program. The law, AB 2398, is designed to increase landfill diversion and recycling of post-consumer carpet generated in California, requiring all carpet manufacturers add a stewardship assessment fee onto all carpet sold in the state as of July 1, 2011.

“We’re pleased CARE is taking further action to increase our state’s carpet recycling efforts,” CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen said. “As we work toward California’s statewide goal of 75 percent recycling by 2020, we will continually evaluate all proven and promising initiatives to help get us there.”

Unlike other proposed stewardship legislation that is intended to fund the entire burden of end-of-life management, AB 2398 is designed to incentivize the growth of carpet reclamation and recycling, while still allowing the market to work. Additional funding collected through the new assessment will be directed to a set of enhanced incentives for processors involved in the recycling of post-consumer carpet.

“As representatives of the California Carpet Stewardship Program, the CARE Sustainable Fund Oversight Committee has considered this change deliberately and found the adjustment is necessary and in the best interest of the Program,” said CARE’s Executive Director Dr. Robert Peoples. “In light of changing market conditions, this update is being made to ensure continuous meaningful progress toward AB 2398’s goals.”

CARE is available to help carpet manufacturers and retailers incorporate changes and ensure a smooth transition. For the latest information and to sign up for ongoing updates, manufacturers may visit www.carpetrecovery.org/CA-manufacturers. Retailers are also encouraged to contact their manufacturer or visit CARE online at www.carpetrecovery.org/CA-retailers.

Apply Now: Project Manager for CARE California Carpet Stewardship Program

February 9, 2015

CARE is current seeking candidates to fill a new full-time position supporting the California Carpet Stewardship Program.

Under the direction of the Executive Director of CARE, the project employee will be responsible for managing the principal duties of the CARE California Carpet Stewardship program (‘Program’), in order to meet the California Carpet Stewardship Regulations and the requirements of the Carpet Stewardship Plan (‘Plan’).

For complete details about the opportunity and instructions for how to apply, download the official Request for Applications here.

CARE Awards PET Research Grant to University of Connecticut

February 3, 2015

CARE has named the University of Connecticut as the recipient of the organization’s grant to develop processes, products and identify viable market outlets for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) derived from post-consumer carpet.

“CARE is delighted with the proposal submitted by Dr. Richard Parnas of the University of Connecticut, and look forward to a creative effort for the use of PET post-consumer carpet recycle opportunities,” said CARE’s Executive Director Dr. Robert Peoples.

An 18 month project, the University of Connecticut and Parnas research group will receive funding from CARE to developing a clear and economically viable path toward PET carpet recycling. While the infrastructure for the path forward cannot be completely finalized in one year, demonstration of a variety of technologies, applicable products, market outlets, performance specifications and an economic model will be complete.

“The Parnas research group is very pleased to continue our green materials research under the sponsorship of CARE, with the goal of recycling waste carpet fiber into state-of-the-art construction materials,” said Dr. Richard Parnas, professor of chemical engineering at the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Parnas’ research team will provide quarterly updates and undergo bi-annual reviews with the CARE board of directors. In addition, a comprehensive final report and presentation on the future of the initiative will be offered at the 2016 CARE National Meeting.