California Surpasses Carpet Recycling Goal with Record 38.5% Rate in 2024
California’s carpet recycling program achieved a record-breaking recycling rate of 38.5% in 2024, exceeding the state’s target and marking a major milestone in circular design and material recovery, according to the latest annual report submitted by the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) to CalRecycle.
According to the California Carpet Stewardship Program 2024 Annual Report, the state’s progress was driven by broader collection networks, rising reuse volumes, and growing markets for recycled carpet materials. The report notes that California continues to lead the nation in implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs aimed at reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainable product design.
As reported by CARE, 82.7 million pounds of carpet were collected across California in 2024, of which 90.5% were recycled into new materials. Around 2.9 million pounds were reused—an increase of 249% since 2021. It is understood that the program now operates 390 collection points statewide, including 159 public drop-off locations, providing residents and businesses with convenient access to recycling infrastructure.
According to the report, 30 manufacturers incorporated recycled carpet materials into 113 products, ranging from carpet tiles and underlayments to insulation, automotive components, and packaging. Industry observers note that this growing portfolio of recycled products demonstrates the commercial viability of post-consumer carpet materials in diverse applications.
CARE’s 2024 report further revealed that the organization awarded 15 grants totaling $881,000 to 14 entities supporting operational improvements and recycling innovation. These funds were directed toward expanding collection access, improving fiber identification, and addressing challenges with hard-to-recycle materials. According to the report, more than 680 direct and indirect jobs are now supported by California’s carpet recycling industry.
“We are very proud of the progress this Program has made in diverting carpet from landfill and recycling it into new products,” said Bob Peoples, Executive Director of CARE. He added that recyclers have collected over 1.3 billion pounds of used carpet since the program began. “Our efforts at growing collection, reuse, recycling and innovations in market development have paid off.”
Analysts suggest that California’s achievement reflects the effectiveness of EPR frameworks, which make producers accountable for end-of-life management of their products. As reported by industry media, the steady rise in recycling rates points to growing public participation and investment in circular economy initiatives. It is also understood that California’s experience could inform other U.S. states developing similar product stewardship programs, supporting national goals for waste reduction and green manufacturing.
