The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) has hired Mike O’Donnell as Managing Director to oversee the implementation of its mattress recycling programs in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Based in the Pacific Northwest, he will be responsible for leading MRC’s day-to-day operations and managing program coordinators as they work with their state’s municipalities, retailers (and other mattress generators), transporters and recyclers.
Previously O’Donnell served as a consultant to MRC as it developed its program plans for these states, which each enacted mattress recycling laws in 2013. O’Donnell has over 20 years of experience managing solid and hazardous waste collection programs for private and public entities, including the development of legislated statewide recycling programs for paint and mercury-containing lamps. He currently sits on the national board of directors for the North American Hazardous Materials Managers Association.
“Mike is well respected in the recycling industry and waste management arena and has demonstrated a strong understanding of regulatory and operational issues,” said Ryan Trainer, president of MRC and the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). “We are extremely pleased to have Mike become a permanent member of our team and are confident that he has the leadership abilities and project management skills to implement these programs efficiently and successfully.”
MRC is a non-profit organization created by ISPA to develop and implement statewide recycling programs for California, Connecticut and Rhode Island. MRC is preparing for a May 1, 2015 launch of the Connecticut Mattress Recycling Program. Meanwhile, it is developing comprehensive program plans for California and Rhode Island, both of which must be submitted to the respective states by July 2015. MRC’s programs in California and Rhode Island are expected to commence in early 2016.
For more information about MRC implementation activities and the latest developments in mattress recycling, visit www.mattressrecyclingcouncil.org.
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