California Assembly supports AB 80 to enhance carpet recycling program

In a recent meeting of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, California lawmakers discussed significant measures aimed at enhancing the state's carpet recycling program. The meeting, held on April 7, 2025, focused on Assembly Bill 80, which seeks to improve transparency and accountability in the carpet recycling process, a critical issue for environmental sustainability in California.

Assembly Bill 80 builds on previous legislation, specifically Assembly Bill 863, which was introduced to address concerns raised by a carpet recycling company regarding operational challenges. The bill mandates that CalRecycle, the state agency overseeing recycling efforts, adopt necessary regulations by January 2026. This timeline is crucial for ensuring that improvements to the carpet recycling program are implemented without delay.

Key enhancements proposed in AB 80 include expanding the number of carpet collection sites, thereby increasing accessibility for consumers. Additionally, the bill aims to strengthen standards for back stamping and ingredient reporting, which will facilitate better sorting and identification of carpet materials by recyclers. These changes are expected to create a more effective and transparent recycling system, ultimately benefiting both the environment and consumers.

Support for AB 80 was robust, with various stakeholders, including representatives from the California Product Stewardship Council and the Carpet and Rug Institute, voicing their approval. Testimonies highlighted the collaborative efforts between lawmakers and industry representatives to refine the recycling program, indicating a positive shift in stakeholder relations compared to previous years.

The committee did not encounter any opposition to the measure, reflecting a consensus on the importance of improving carpet recycling practices in California. As the meeting progressed, Assembly members expressed their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the proposed changes.

In conclusion, the discussions during this committee meeting underscore California's ongoing efforts to enhance environmental sustainability through improved recycling practices. With AB 80 poised for a vote, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of carpet recycling in the state, anticipating that these legislative efforts will lead to a more effective and accountable system. The committee's next steps will involve a roll call on the bill, with proponents urging swift approval to maintain momentum in the recycling initiative.