Even before he joined the Mattress Recycling Council as its program manager for California, Mark Patti already had a passion for recycling. Now, he’s putting that passion into action every day, setting up permanent collection sites and one-day collection events to expand MRC’s mattress recycling network while also facilitating MRC’s Illegally Dumped Mattress Collection Initiative.
In his free time, you might find him playing his guitar or visiting new places in California with his wife, Cathy. “We recently visited Pismo Beach to see the Butterfly Grove where monarchs migrate from as far north as Canada,” he says.
BedTimes: What drew you to the mattress industry?
Mark Patti: I was an environmental studies major in college and have worked in municipal solid waste and recycling for many years. I wanted to stay in the environmental field but pivoted to EPR (extended producer responsibility). Getting the opportunity to help start a new recycling program in California was also exciting to me.
BT: What’s something unique about MRC that people might not know?
MP: MRC is contracted with seven mattress recycling facilities in California to dismantle and recycle more than 1.5 million mattresses every year.
BT: What is one of the most exciting projects you’ve accomplished at MRC?
MP: The initial roll-out of the Bye Bye Mattress Program. Working with waste-hauling companies and landfills to better understand the mattress recycling law in California and getting them to participate as public mattress collection locations was challenging. Ten years ago, we were able to launch a network of more than 60 public drop-off locations, which has grown to more than 240.
BT: Can you share a few details about your family and personal life?
MP: I’m married with three adult children. My wife and I are enjoying being empty nesters while watching our kids grow up! Our youngest just started college, our middle child is a flight attendant, and our oldest is a computer programmer. This summer, he will be getting married in Colorado, and we are looking forward to the festivities!
BT: What’s something unique about you that people might not know?
MP: I’m a huge Star Wars fan. I’ve been a fan of the movies since I was a kid and still have my original action figures! I think they are a family heirloom at this point.
BT: What is a book, podcast, or movie you enjoyed recently that you want to recommend to others?
MP: Every morning, I take a long walk before work. During my walk, I enjoy listening to news from NPR and The Atlantic. There’s a wide variety of topics and interesting stories. Every morning, it’s a grab bag of sorts, and I learn something new that’s happening in the world. This week, there was an interesting article about how private schools in Miami have grown more competitive with the influx of billionaires moving to the area, coupled with the change in tax codes that have impacted the state’s voucher program—real interesting stuff!
