The law will establish mandatory goals for recycling and postconsumer content in new carpets, convenient collection statewide, education and awareness and the phase-out of per- and polyfluroalkyl substances chemicals from new carpet production.

New York lawmakers recently approved a carpet extended producer responsibility (EPR) law expected to increase carpet recycling and reduce toxins in manufacturing new carpets.  

Spearheaded by Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblyman Steve Englebright, the bill to establish a carpet EPR program passed the Senate and Assembly and is expected to be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. If enacted, New York’s law will be the first to include artificial turf.    

“Creating a comprehensive EPR program for carpet materials will have significant environmental benefits but will result in new investments in carpet recycling technologies as well, paving the way for new jobs and a green future,” Kavanagh says. “For too long, our waste systems have been clogged with toxic carpeting materials. By passing this legislation, we begin to correct that, keeping hundreds of tons of carpet waste out of landfills.”