Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) reported a 44 percent increase in carpet recycling in the fourth quarter of 2019. While the growth was positive, it fell short from the group's projections by 24 percent due to two recycled output projects, both CARE grant recipients, being delayed due to factors beyond their control.
While the normal Q4 seasonal slowdown was observed, and considering sales of new carpet set another new low, recycled output remained strong, according to CARE Executive Director Bob Peoples, Ph.D. In terms of collection, Q4 ended with 73 public drop-off sites, an increase of 20 sites over the end of 2018. CARE 2019 collections were up 28 percent over 2018, and the number of counties serviced rose by three to 50.