Mattress recycling has moved one step closer in California and Rhode Island.
On July 1, the Mattress Recycling Council submitted mattress-recycling plans to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery and the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. for review. MRC is a nonprofit organization created by the mattress industry to develop and manage mandated statewide mattress-recycling programs.
Both proposals reflect two years of planning, stakeholder outreach and discussions to develop collection, transportation and recycling programs. Like the Connecticut program, which launched in May, those programs will be called Bye Bye Mattress.
If the plans are approved within the 90-day review period, the recycling programs are expected to begin in early 2016.
The proposed programs will be funded through a recycling fee ($11 for California and $10 for Rhode Island) that is collected on the sale of each new or renovated mattress or box spring sold in the state and then remitted to MRC.
MRC will use those funds to provide mattress collection, transportation and recycling services for cities and towns, military bases, universities and hospitals, as well as private-sector businesses such as mattress retailers and hotels. The fee also is used to create free drop-off collection points for residents at solid-waste facilities throughout the state and provide a reimbursement to those who drop-off mattresses directly at designated recycling facilities. Additionally, the fee in California will support a fund to help communities battle illegal dumping.
Both states passed mattress-recycling laws in 2013, which resulted from the International Sleep Products Association’s effort to develop a practical and economically efficient approach to mattress recycling.
“The mattress industry has developed programs that benefit all California and Rhode Island consumers and the environment,” said Ryan Trainer, president of MRC and ISPA. “Mattress manufacturers, importers, retailers and renovators all have a role in this program’s success. Under the law, you must register with MRC in order to keep selling mattresses in these states once the program goes into effect. Registering now means you’ll be more informed and better prepared as the program launches and won’t experience disruptions in your ability to sell your products in those states.”
MRC has provided a toll-free support line, dedicated email address, written guidelines and a step-by-step video to assist the mattress industry with registering through the organization’s online portal—www.mrcreporting.org.
TO LEARN MORE
Toll-free support: 888-646-6815
Support email: [email protected]
Written guidelines and video: www.mattressrecyclingcouncil.org/resources
The Mattress Recycling Council is a nonprofit organization formed by the bedding industry to operate recycling programs in states that have enacted mattress-recycling laws. Connecticut’s program launched in May, with California and Rhode Island expected to begin in 2016.
For the latest information about mattress recycling, bookmark the MRC website at www.mattressrecyclingcouncil.org and check it often. If you have specific questions, email [email protected]. BedTimes also offers regular updates about recycling.
You also can follow MRC on social media:
■ Twitter (@MattRecyCouncil)
■ YouTube
■ Google+
Have questions? Check out #FAQFriday on Twitter to learn more about mrcreporting.org, registration/law compliance, fee policy, etc.
