Blue Water Recycling Corporation (BWRC), located in Alturas, was one of several California-based entities to receive a CARE micro grant of up to $15,000 in 2023. BWRC is also a new CARE public drop-off location serving rural Modoc County.In January 2024 BWRC completed construction of a carport that will keep post-consumer carpet (PCC) clean and dry. With support from the Mattress Recycling Council, the site also accepts mattresses from the public.
According to BWRC management, there are several SB 535 communities – designated disadvantaged by CalEPA – in the surrounding area that benefit from the service, including Fort Bidwell Reservation, XL Ranch Rancheria and Alturas Rancheria. The next closest PCC drop-off location is approximately 120 miles away in Mt. Shasta or Susanville, which made it much more convenient to landfill PCC before the site opened to the public.
“As soon as the project began, we saw an influx of customer curiosity,” said Garrett Ingram, president of BWRC. “Being situated on Hwy 299, i.e. 12th Street, our facility changes were noticed immediately by the community. Many were not aware of carpet and mattress recycling even with our advertising efforts. Having the carport has not only served as protection from the elements but as advertising for the CARE and MRC programs.”