The California Carpet Stewardship Program reported a notable increase in recycling performance for the first quarter of 2025, achieving a 43.1% recycling rate—well above the 2025 target of 37% and the full-year 2024 rate of 38.5%.
According to Bob Peoples, Executive Director of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), the strong recycling performance came despite a seasonal dip in collections, which fell by 2.4 million pounds. However, recycled output rose by 0.6 million pounds, contributing to the improved recycling rate.
While recycling metrics improved, broader market conditions remain difficult. Demand for both nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 continues to lag, compounded by new tariffs and ongoing market uncertainty. The carpet pad segment, which is not regulated under the state’s stewardship law, remains particularly depressed.
Carpet sales also showed signs of strain, totaling 11.88 million square yards in Q1—the first time this figure has dropped below 12 million. Total 2024 sales reached 53.3 million square yards, falling short of the forecast by 600,000 square yards and missing approximately $750,000 in projected revenue.
Peoples noted that these trends were anticipated in the 5-Year Plan, which projected a 32% decline in carpet sales over its lifespan. Despite the market headwinds, the Q1 results reflect progress in recycling performance and signal a positive start to 2025 for the state’s circular economy efforts.
