Carpet Makers May Get Hit by Washington State

Seattle, WA, Jan. 20, 2012 -- Washington State has pending legislation that would require producers of carpet that is sold in the state to join a "carpet stewardship organization."

The carpet stewardship organization is required to submit a plan to the state's Department of Ecology for collecting, transporting, processing and recycling discarded carpet by Jan. 1, 2014.

Carpet recycling is relatively new to the Pacific Northwest and not widely available in Washington State.

Collection costs for recycling can be greater than the recovered material value, so carpet processors often charge a fee to collect and accept discarded carpet.

According to the bill's sponsors, a more rigorous program is needed that will encourage the
growth of our local carpet recycling infrastructure and provide a convenient and cost-effective statewide carpet recycling program, at no cost to residents and businesses, such as carpet installation contractors and carpet sellers.

Advocates also say the legislation will create jobs in Washington, increase the amount of carpet that's recycled, and establish a reliable supply of recycled raw materials from recovered carpet that can be used to manufacture new products.

A carpet stewardship organization is an entity created to implement a carpet recycling program on
behalf of carpet producers.

It contracts with carpet collectors and processors, making carpet recycling available to businesses and residents, and provides the public with information about the program.

Carpet producers would pay for the program and contract with carpet collectors and processors to run the program.

Carpet installers and construction and demolition companies would gain access to recycling, at no cost, for all carpet they remove in Washington.

The carpet stewardship organization will collect funds from producers that sell carpet in Washington.