The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) announced, following CalRecycle approval, that the differential assessments currently charged on all carpet sold in California will increase on February 1, 2025. The assessment increase was requested by CARE on November 8th and approved by CalRecycle on December 23rd.

The new amounts are:

“We recognize the burden this places on California retailers and their customers,” noted CARE Executive Director Bob Peoples. “While the California Carpet Stewardship Program has made huge progress in recent years, new demands and rising costs make this increase necessary.”

Carpet retailers in the state should prepare immediately for the point of purchase changes that will be needed to collect the correct, updated assessment from customers. Carpet mills are responsible for advising retailers on which products qualify in terms of post-consumer content. CARE will continue to supply point of purchase materials as well as training support materials for sales staff. Retailers are encouraged to visit the CARE website for the latest collateral and updates.

Assessments are expected to change again in the future. The CalRecycle approval letter noted that CARE’s next Five Year Plan amendment, which it is required to submit to CalRecycle by July 1, 2025, “must address all statutory, regulatory, and plan requirements, which includes a revised system of differential assessments that is inclusive of additional factors, such as type of face fiber, to more accurately align the assessment levels with the financial burden various carpet materials impose on the program.” We strongly encourage stakeholders, retailers in particular, to consider what this will mean for your businesses.