This study addressed the eventual disposal of carbon fiber composites in municipal waste streams. A survey of current literature presents the effects of fires on carbon fiber composites, the effects of airborne carbon fibers including incidents of electrical failures, applications of composites, the direction of current research and the present manufacturers of both fiber and composites. A bibliography lists the pertinent publications and data sources. Reviews of Federal Carbon Fiber Programs include those concerned with fire accidents, the effects of airborne fibers and the development of measurement techniques for airborne carbon fibers. The sources of carbon fiber composites entering municipal waste streams are identified, the capabilities of solid waste disposal techniques have been evaluated and includes an estimate for a potential release of airborne carbon fibers from municipal incinerators. The Federal Agencies involved in carbon fiber studies are listed together with their coordinator or principal investigators.