Calif. Vote Threatens New Carpet Recycling Law

Dalton, GA, Nov. 4, 2010 -- The carpet industry is bracing for the possibility that a proposition passed in California this week will jeopardize new carpet recycling legislation that was passed in October before the recycling program even got off the ground.

California Proposition 26, which was passed Tuesday, requires that some state fees be approved by two-thirds vote of Legislature and some local fees be approved by two-thirds of voters.

The legislation essentially pit business interests against environmental interests.

The carpet recycling legislation passed last month prohibits producers and retailers of carpet from selling carpet in California unless the producer or a carpet stewardship organization has submitted a stewardship plan to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.

The bill generates revenue through an initial assessment of $0.05 per square yard of carpet sold in California. 

The Carpet & Rug Institute is working with manufacturers to help them meet the requirements.

The bill was seen as a potential model for carpet recycling nationwide.

Proposition 26 essentially voids any state law adopted between Jan. 1 and Nov. 2 of this year that conflicts with Proposition 26. The carpet recycling legislation would be automatically repealed next October.

California also passed legislation regarding the disposal of leftover paint.