CLEAR (California Landfill Elimination and Recycling) Carpet Recycling collects and recycle carpet in California.

Landfill elimination is a key component of our effort to recycle carpet. The management of waste has come a long way in a short time. As recent as the late 1970s, the term landfill was relatively unknown and little attention was paid to what we dumped in them.

What is the best way to handle a commodity that has value but has historically been thrown away? That is what carpet recyclers faces today. Changing the habits of those in the flooring industry is a critical first step.

CLEAR is making carpet recycling as convenient as recycling an empty aluminum can. There is no curbside pick-up of your used carpet and you will not find carpet recycling containers on street corners and other public places…at least, not yet.

Until it hits the mainstream, we ask for your cooperation on doing the right thing and recycle your carpet.

The decision to recycle an item, instead of throwing it away, is driven by a number of factors. The convenience, cost, local laws and awareness all come into play. If we had to pay a direct fee for each pound of waste, we would all find ways to lower that cost.

There are several items that are recyclable but, for the reasons cited above, still are thrown away too often. These include electronics (old VCRs, DVD players, stereo components), mattresses, furniture (tables, desks, chairs), textiles (cotton clothing, nylon, leather goods) and carpet.

The increasing popularity of recycling carpet is a result of information that shows how much carpet is going to landfills, the problems carpet causes when thrown away and an increase in demand for the recycled carpet fibers.

When it comes time to remove old carpet, it may be surprising how easy it is to recycle it. Here are some compelling reasons to dispose of carpet responsibly:

• Can be cheaper than throwing it away
• Decreases the flow of recyclable waste going to landfills
• Reduces demand for foreign oil
• Environmentally friendly
• Creates ongoing sustainability for carpet