May 2024

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CARE Welcomes New CalRecycle Director

Governor Newsom has named Zoe Heller to be director of CalRecycle. The California Carpet Stewardship Program is managed by CalRecycle and CARE interacts with CalRecycle staff on a regular basis.



Heller worked at the EPA from 2006 to 2017, and has held several roles at CalRecycle since 2017. She has been CalRecycle’s circular economy division director since 2023 and has served in several other roles there from 2017 to 2022. She has worked as deputy director of policy development and as deputy director of the Materials Management and Local Assistance division. 

“We are delighted that Zoe Heller has been chosen to direct CalRecycle. We feel her vast experience, interest in truly understanding these complex systems, and constructive attitude are a big asset, and we look forward to continuing to work with her and the very talented CalRecycle team,” noted CARE Executive Director Bob Peoples.

Read more here.

CARE Names Person and Recycler of the Year

CARE announced two California-based winners of the CARE Person and Recycler of the Year Awards for 2023 on May 7th in conjunction with the organization’s 22^nd Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The 2023 CARE Person of the Year is Wes Nelson of GreenWaste Carpet Recycling (Santa Clara). CARE Recycler of the Year is Repurpose.Earth (Gardena, CA).

CARE Person of the Year Wes Nelson (pictured, with CARE's Bob Peoples) is the sales and marketing manager for GreenWaste Carpet Recycling, a division of GreenWaste Recovery. Wes has been involved in the sales and marketing of products, installation and services in the flooring industry for over 25 years in Northern California. He has been a strong supporter of carpet recycling in California since the beginning and has been instrumental in the program’s growth. Wes also serves as the Carpet Advisory Committee chairperson.

2023 Recycler of the Year Repurpos. Earth collects carpet tile from construction projects along with attic stock or overages and redistributes it to disadvantaged communities. Founded by mother/daughter team Angie and Andrea Poventud, Repurpose.Earth focuses exclusively on carpet tile reuse, with plans to expand their operations in 2024.

Read more here.

CARE Conference: That’s a Wrap!

The carpet recycling industry had a lively meeting at CARE’s 22^nd Annual Conference, May 7-8 in Indianapolis. Dozens of recycling and manufacturing professionals gathered to hear speakers address everything from economic trends to the latest news on fiber identification technology. Topics such as design for recyclability, extended producer responsibility, and the challenges of commercial carpet tile recycling spurred conversation and inspiration.

After the awards dinner (see previous story), guests capped a long day of sessions with a well-received presentation of amazing skills by mentalist and magician Chad Collyer.

Listen as Bob Peoples recaps the Conference and describes the positive, collaborative atmosphere to Floor Daily’s Kemp Harr.

Select Conference presentations will be available in June on the CARE website. 

Are you a local government staff member excited about promoting carpet recycling, but looking for more resources to spread the word?

The California Carpet Stewardship Program has developed a survey to understand which resources local governments need to promote carpet recycling in California. Share your insights with us to let us know how we can best support you and California’s zero waste goals. CARE will use the input received to inform the development of collateral and resources to support local governments. We value your feedback!

Take the 5-minute survey today!

Local Government Staff Invited to Join Carpet Recycling Task Force

The California Carpet Stewardship Program is seeking staff from local governments throughout the state to join a task force that will provide input on how to improve carpet recycling efforts in California. This exclusive opportunity is open to staff from local governments and regional governments throughout California.

Members of the task force will be asked to provide on-the-ground insights into the current barriers local governments face in mobilizing carpet recycling efforts. Together with CARE staff, the task force will identify solutions to address those barriers and achieve California’s carpet recycling goals. Task force members will be expected to attend one virtual meeting, plus have two additional touchpoints with CARE staff before December 2024. CARE is currently seeking members until June 2024. 

Email L.Nichols@Circlepoint.com to learn more about the task force and to register to participate. Spots are limited!

CARE on the Road

CARE’s Product and Market Development Manager Rob Thiess will present on the California program at the CA Green Building Conference on May 23rd in South Los Angeles at 11:00 a.m. on the Collective Impact stage.

CARE will also table at the event; we hope you stop by! 

CarpetRecovery.org/CA