January 2021
New Grants Promote Collection
CARE's California Carpet Stewardship Program has awarded three additional Micro Grants for Collection and Reuse (Cycle 3M), totaling $39,597. The micro projects are expected to result in an additional 2.25 million pounds of California PCC collection in 2021.

ACES Waste Service, Amador County, CA: Purchase of container to begin self-hauling California Post-Consumer Carpet (PCC) to a recycler. Establishes a new CARE public drop-off site, the first in Amador County ($9,597).

Planet Recycling, San Diego, CA: Purchase of three containers to establish California PCC collection from three additional new retailer locations ($15,000). Grant was awarded prior to Planet’s acquisition by Aquafil.

Loyalton Transfer Station, Sierra County, CA: Funds to establish a new covered staging area for California PCC. Establishes a new CARE public drop-off site, which will be the first in Sierra County ($15,000).

CARE plans to release another round of Micro Grants for Collection/Reuse in February. See also the Grants page on the CARE website.
CARE Enters 2021 with 83 Carpet Drop-Off Sites Statewide
As part of our ongoing efforts to increase carpet collection across the state, CARE is pleased to announce new carpet recycling drop-off sites:
Loyalton Transfer Station, Loyalton, Sierra County, Conservation Corps North Bay, Cotati, Sonoma County.

There are 83 CARE-supported public drop-off sites in the state, serving 53 counties.

To find the CARE-sponsored drop-off site closest you, visit the drop-off site map here. If there is a location that you feel would be helpful for flooring professionals near you, please email CARE with facility (e.g., supply house, landfill, transfer station, recycling facility) name and location. A CARE staff person will contact you to discuss your volume, learn more about flooring professionals’ needs in your area and work toward finding a solution.
 
In addition to public drop-off sites, CARE works with the recyclers who operate more than 180 private network collection sites around the state.
CARE Partners with Drop-off Sites to Increase Collection
Recent growth in market demand for recycled carpet material has made increasing the collection of carpet an even greater focus area of the California program. 

CARE’s drop-off sites are an important stage in the process of getting recycled carpet made into useful new products. CARE supports drop-off sites by providing, at no cost:
  • A container for collection,
  • Third-party hauling, or self-haul reimbursement, to bring carpet material to recyclers,
  • Promotional materials for local government and the hosting facility,
  • Direct and in-person outreach to local retailers, directing carpet to their facility and
  • Technical assistance from CARE staff.
New Video Targets Awareness of Recycled Carpet Products
A new video debuted at CARE’s booth at the recent virtual California Public Procurement Officers (CAPPO) conference. The video introduces CARE and emphasizes the range of products that contain recycled carpet-derived material. The video is featured on the CARE website and YouTube channel.
 
Staff Profile: Jared Zitron
Jared Zitron joined CARE’s California Carpet Stewardship Program in 2016. As Senior Associate, Jared is responsible for bringing on public drop-off sites and collection operations in southern California. He also works on compliance, local government relations and drop-off site and operations contracting. 

A native Californian, Jared started out in the recycling industry as a consultant, right after completing his B.S. in Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. “After 10 years in the recycling and solid waste industry, I have developed a true appreciation for the effort and dedication of our drop-off site partners and operations personnel,” Jared notes. “I am grateful to be involved in recycling and am comfortable, yet still challenged, by the complexity of the recycling ecosystem.” 

Jared spends his spare time reading, climbing (pre-COVID) and playing guitar. His happy place is in the kitchen, where he specializes in preparing authentic Chinese cuisine (or as close as he can get).

Contact Jared for questions about collection operations and SoCal drop-off sites.
Save the Date! CARE Annual Conference
Mark your calendars! The CARE Annual Conference will take place August 31-September 1 in Minneapolis, MN. Stay tuned for registration and program details. We look forward to seeing you!
minneapolis skyline