The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) have committed to finding sustainable and alternative ways to dispose of carpet and rugs other than landfilling. The organizations are working together to launch a pilot project to develop market-driven solutions to divert carpet and rugs from local landfills through reuse and recycling efforts.

"I applaud the joint effort to reduce carpets and rugs in Maine landfills between the Department of Environmental Protection and Carpet and Rug Institute," said Gov. Paul R. LePage. "Taking these steps shows that Maine leads the way on the responsible disposal of materials and that it should be done with the input and expertise of businesses. Their valuable expertise is vital for a successful solution."

Companies that reuse diverted material tell CRI and DEP that they have a difficult time starting their operations in rural states with smaller populations, because they need a dependable supply of materials. In Maine, often times the logistics of beneficially reusing carpets and rugs is too complicated and the material is landfilled.

CRI and the DEP intend to work with stakeholders, such as retail associations, municipal solid waste operators, transportation, carpet distributors and others, to break down the barriers and institute a pilot project so the material can be beneficially reused.

"Materials like carpets and rugs take up valuable landfill space," said DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho. "Rural states like Maine must collaborate with stakeholders to find innovative, sustainable solutions. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is committed to working with the Carpet and Rug Institute and others to find marketplace solutions to minimize disposal of materials."

In addition to breaking down transportation, logistical and supply barriers, DEP and CRI are supportive of developing markets for the reuse of the materials.

"Since 2002, the carpet industry has diverted more than 3.25 billion pounds of carpet from U.S. landfills through market-based solutions," said Jennifer Mendez, vice president of the Carpet and Rug Institute. "We are eager to apply our knowledge and experience to developing sustainable solutions to divert carpet from Maine landfills."