FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2013
Contact: Shelly Sullivan
(916) 858-8686
CALIFORNIA USED MATTRESS RECYCLING LEGISLATION CLEARS KEY SENATE COMMITTEE
SACRAMENTO, CA — On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, the California’s State Senate Environmental Quality Committee approved SB 254 (Hancock-Correa) by a 6-0 vote.
SB 254 creates a used mattress recycling program that will have a dedicated funding mechanism, reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses, harness existing infrastructure for transporting used mattresses to recyclers, creates jobs, and minimizes costs to both government and consumers.
Californians for Mattress Recycling Spokesperson, Shelly Sullivan stated, “We applaud the leadership of the Environmental Quality Chair, Senator Jerry Hill along with Senators Correa and Hancock and the International Sleep Products Association and Californians Against Waste for working so diligently late last week to amend the critical components of the Correa bill, SB 245 into SB 254 prior to this hearing.”
The result provides Californians with a comprehensive mattress recycling solution that is consumer friendly and efficient. The SB 254 model is now very similar to existing successful recycling systems in California for paint and used carpet.
International Sleep Products Association President, Ryan Trainer commented, “We are pleased to be moving forward with a single bill to address used mattress recycling in California. SB 254 (Hancock-Correa) remains a work in progress, and we are confident that by working with all stakeholders, we can continue our efforts to develop public policy that will be best for California mattress consumers, retailers, manufacturers and the environment.”
Sullivan noted, “A lot of speculation has been made about the financial figures associated with this legislation. Those costs will be determined by the recycling program group, but it is critical to note that manufacturers and retailers do not want those costs to be any higher than absolutely necessary. The goal is to assure that we establish a sound recycling program that is easy to use in removing used mattresses from landfills, vacant lots and highways.”
SB 254 (Hancock-Correa) now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
