Carpet recycling.

Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry's carpet recycling legislation revises California's existing producer responsibility program by expanding collection sites, adjusting governance structures, and refining compliance requirements. The bill modifies the Public Resources Code to include carpet recycling centers, municipal facilities, and retailers as approved collection sites alongside existing solid waste facilities.

The legislation restructures oversight by requiring producer responsibility organizations to establish governing boards with specific nonvoting members, including representatives from environmental organizations, retailers, and labor groups. It also adjusts reporting timelines, moving the annual report deadline from July to September, and requires producers to publish detailed component information for products containing more than 1% of any material or hazardous chemicals.

For carpet installers removing existing products, the bill creates an exemption from mandatory transport to collection sites when materials are returned directly to producers, provided the return process meets specified documentation and audit requirements. The legislation maintains civil penalties of $25,000 per day for intentional or knowing violations but removes negligence as a basis for maximum fines.

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery must adopt implementing regulations by December 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2029, the bill requires carpet producers to incorporate visual markings on products indicating manufacturer name, production date, and material composition. The legislation also mandates that carpet contain 5% post-consumer recycled content by 2028, with authority for the department to adjust future recycled content requirements.