New CARE Webpage Devoted to California AB2398 Carpet Recycling Law

CARE Launches Web Page Devoted to California Carpet Recycling Law

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)compiles information, links, and resources related to AB 2398 implementation, compliance

A new web page titled AB 2398 - California Carpet Stewardship Bill has been added to CARE’s website that will help “connect the dots” for anyone and everyone who needs to know something, or needs to know more, about California’s AB 2398 Carpet Stewardship Law.

Signed into law on September 30, 2010, the purpose of California’s AB 2398 Carpet Stewardship law is to increase the diversion and recycling of carpet in the state of California.

The law generates funding to meet the goals of AB 2398 through an initial assessment of 5 cents per square yard of carpet sold in California. Unlike other types of stewardship legislation that fund the entire cost of end-of-life management, AB 2398 is designed to find market-driven ways to incentivize the growth of carpet reclamation and recycling.

Under the law, CARE has been designated as the Carpet Stewardship Organization. Carpet manufacturers may participate in the stewardship plan being developed by CARE or a manufacturer may submit its own plan. Stewardship plans will include consumer education efforts, the assessment of fees, and progress measurement and reporting.

Stewardship plans must be submitted to the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) by September 30, 2011. All plans must be approved by March 31, 2012 to be in compliance.

The new AB 2398 web page links readers to the entire text of the AB 2398 legislation, as well as to FAQs for retailers and dealers, and CARE’s webinar video and PowerPoint on AB 2398.  There’s also a link to the CalRecycle website.

“We gathered information to create a ‘one-stop shopping’ experience for people looking for information about AB 2398,” said CARE Executive Director Georgina Sikorski. “The law requires CARE to educate everyone in the value chain – carpet manufacturers, importers, distributors, commercial dealers, retailers, consumers, and carpet recyclers – and the AB 2398 web page is an important step towards accomplishing that goal. It has valuable information for the person who is new to AB 2398, as well as for those who are looking for more detailed information or tools to help them explain it to others.”

Thank you, Georgina.

~Bethany