BedTimes: Describe your role in a few sentences.
Justine Fallon: I serve as the vice president of operations at MRC, where I oversee our mattress recycling programs across four states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, and Oregon. My role involves managing staff and ensuring compliance with state laws, addressing illegal dumping, preparing annual reports, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders. I also work closely with vendors to ensure operational efficiency and adherence to program standards. The position is a mix of strategy, problem-solving, and collaboration—and I love that no two days are the same.
BT: What drew you to the industry?
JF: I’ve spent most of my career in solid waste and recycling, and I previously managed a materials recovery facility for residential recycling. When I learned about mattress recycling, I was intrigued—mattresses are hard to dispose of, yet they’re full of recyclable materials. The idea of focusing on one challenging product and creating a sustainable solution really appealed to me. Joining MRC gave me the opportunity to apply my experience in recycling and product stewardship to an industry that benefits from sustainable solutions.
BT: What’s something about MRC that people might not know that you’d like to share with our readers?
JF: Many people don’t realize how experienced and dedicated our team at MRC is. We’ve built a group of professionals who are not only highly skilled in their work but also deeply committed to the success of our programs. They care about the mission, the communities we serve, and—just as importantly—about supporting one another.
BT: What is one of the most exciting things you’ve accomplished since working for MRC?
JF: One of our proudest achievements is recycling 15 million mattresses over the past decade. That number represents so much more than just mattresses—it’s proof of what can happen when an industry, a team, and a community come together to make recycling
a priority. It’s a big win for sustainability and for everyone involved.
BT: What is a book, podcast, or movie you enjoyed recently that you want to recommend to others?
JF: I’m a fan of David Sedaris. His writing is sharp, funny, and full of observations that make you laugh and think at the same time. He has a way of capturing the quirks of family life with humor and honesty. I recently saw him read his essays live, which was amazing. My favorite book of his is Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim—it’s witty, heartfelt, and a good read.
