Reduction in recycling of post-consumer carpet – CARE

30 Apr '09

2 min read

Figures for 2008 released this week by the by the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) show a reduction in the recycling and diversion of post-consumer carpet, compared to 2007 levels. CARE's 2008 Annual Report, presented at the organization's seventh Annual Conference held April 28 through May 1 at the National Conference Center in Landsdowne, Virginia, showed that 243.4 million pounds of post-consumer carpet were recycled and 292.4 million pounds were diverted from landfills in 2008. These figures represent an 11.4 percent decrease in recycling and a .8 percent decrease in diversion compared to 2007.

However, according to CARE Board Chairman Frank Hurd, the amount of decrease was less than expected by the group, especially in light of profoundly negative business results reported by other industries in 2008, and given the tough economic environment currently faced by U.S. businesses. "To put this in perspective," Hurd said, "businesses suffered unprecedented downturns in 2008. While we would all have preferred an increase in diversion and recycling, CARE members should be proud of all that they have accomplished this year."

In a clearly positive development, new data collected for the first time in CARE's 2008 Member Survey shows carpet collectors report 1,100 employees involved directly in carpet recycling, which translates into an additional 2,200 indirect jobs created in local communities. "This level of employment contributes significant dollars for local and state economies where these jobs are located," said CARE executive director Georgina Sikorski.

The Carpet America Recovery Effort

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