Today, MRC submitted its Rhode Island Mattress Recycling Plan to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) for review. The plan reflects two years of planning, stakeholder outreach and discussions to develop a collection, transportation and recycling program for used mattresses in Rhode Island. The program, created by a 2013 mattress recycling law, will be called Bye Bye Mattress. If approved by RIRRC within the 90-day review period, the recycling program would begin in early 2016.
The proposed program will be funded through a $10.00 recycling fee that is collected on the sale of each new or renovated mattress or box spring sold to Rhode Island consumers 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 like mattress retailers and hotels. The fee is also used to create free drop-off collection points for Rhode Island residents at solid waste facilities throughout the state and provide a reimbursement to those who drop-off mattresses directly at designated recycling facilities.
Rhode Island’s law resulted from the International Sleep Products Association’s (ISPA) effort to develop a practical and economically efficient approach to mattress recycling.
“The mattress industry has developed a program that benefits all 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 Rhode Island 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 the state.”
MRC will discuss the Rhode Island program and answer compliance questions during a Las Vegas Market seminar about mattress recycling on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. The seminar will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in Building B, WorldView on 16.
MRC has provided a toll-free support line, dedicated email, written guidelines and a step-by-step video to assist the mattress industry with registering through the organization’s online portal – mrcreporting.org.
- Toll-Free Support: 1-888-646-6815
- Support Email: support@mattressrecyclingcouncil.org
- Written Guidelines & Video: www.mattressrecyclingcouncil.org/resources
MRC recently launched the nation’s first statewide mattress recycling program in Connecticut and will also operate California’s program, due to begin in early 2016. To learn more about these state programs, go to mattressrecyclingcouncil.org.
ABOUT RHODE ISLAND’S LAW
In 2013 Rhode Island enacted Senate Bill 261A, which became Chapter 23-90 of the state’s Health & Safety Code, and required mattress manufacturers to create a statewide recycling program for discarded mattresses. The program is expected to launch in 2016 and is funded through a visible recycling fee collected at retail from customers on each mattress and foundation sold in the state. These fees will fund the collection and recycling of mattresses and box springs used and discarded in Rhode Island. The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), a non-profit organization established by the mattress industry, will create and manage this recycling program. MRC has been authorized by RIRRC to develop and administer the program.
ABOUT ISPA
Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress industry. As the industry’s trade organization, ISPA is the voice of the mattress industry, representing mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world.
To learn more, visit www.sleepproducts.org or contact info@sleepproducts.org.