MRC Highlights August 2020 Issue

MRC News

New Fields and Features Require Account Profile Updates on MRCreporting.org

As part of our ongoing efforts for constant improvement, MRC has recently completed a series of changes in the MRCreporting.org reporting and remitting portal. These updates require that all participants login and update their account profiles to include these new fields and features.

By updating your account profile, MRC can improve annual reporting capabilities, enhance customer service and expand on our data analysis. Whether you are new to MRC or have been registered for years, please take time this month to review your profile and add new information such as:

  • Take-Back Information – If you are a retailer or institutional seller, indicate if you are currently taking back old mattresses upon delivery of a new product and whether you recycle those old mattresses.
  • Sales Methods – If you are a retailer or institutional seller, indicate if you are selling online, through brick-and-mortar or both methods.
  • Store information – If you are collecting the recycling fee and reporting on behalf of multiple locations, you can now designate which locations are affiliated with your account.
  • Distributor Category – If you are a company that has a contractual relationship with one or more manufacturers to market and sell mattresses to retailers, update your registration category to include this information.

It’s also helpful to review your company name, brands and URNs to be sure that all data is current for annual reporting to state regulators. Log in to MRCreporting.org today to get started.

Reminder: Recycling Fee MUST be Shown on Receipt as Separate Line Item

As a reminder to all retailers, the recycling fee MUST appear as a separate line item on receipts for included units whether sold in-store or online as required by state law. However, the law does not prohibit a retailer from issuing a credit, rebate or promo code to reimburse the consumer for some or all of the fee. Retailers must remit the full fee amount to MRC. If you have questions about the legal obligations in the states where you operate, click here or check out our FAQs.

California News

Take-Back Required for ALL New Mattress Deliveries in California as of Jan. 1, 2021

All retailers that deliver a new mattress to a consumer in California (regardless of sales format or delivery method) must offer to pick up a used mattress at no additional cost to the consumer effective Jan. 1, 2021. This important change to the legal obligations of mattress manufacturers, distributors and retailers was signed into law on October 10, 2019 as part of AB 187 and amends California’s Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act (SB 254). Prior to this amendment, retailers delivering by common carrier were exempt from having to offer take-back of old mattresses.

If a retailer delivers a mattress without using a common carrier (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx), that retailer must offer to pick up a used mattress at the time of delivery. Starting Jan. 1, if a retailer sells a mattress delivered by common carrier, the retailer must offer to arrange to pick up a used mattress for recycling from that consumer within 30 days after delivering the new mattress. A retailer has no obligation to pick up a consumer’s used mattress if that unit is contaminated and poses a risk to personnel, new products or equipment.

For more information, contact MRC at info@mattressrecyclingcouncil.org or 1-855-229-1691.

Deadline Extended! Collection Sites Can Apply for Up to $10K By Sept. 15

California facilities that currently collect or will collect discarded mattresses from the public for dismantling by MRC-contracted recyclers can apply for funding up to $10,000 from MRC now through Sept. 15 at 5 pm PDT. In two previous funding cycles, MRC awarded over $300,000 to fund carports and cement pads that provide weather protection and for equipment such as stairs and ramps to aid in loading units into trailers. For more information or to apply, click here. MRC will consider awards for equipment and infrastructure improvements that will better protect discarded mattresses and box springs to increase their recyclability or achieve other efficiencies such as lowering costs and improving safety.

Sleep Products Sustainability Program Featured in New Video

Our Sleep Products Sustainability Program (SP2) helps reduce waste while generating operational efficiencies and cost savings in the mattress manufacturing process. Learn more about the benefits being achieved at Pleasant Mattress in this short video and sign your facility up for this no-cost program today! Training (now offered virtually), program resources and certification are all offered at no-cost to eligible California-based mattress manufacturers.

MRC is Hiring!

We are looking for new team members to join our dynamic crew. There are currently two full-time salaried telework positions open, salary commensurate with experience. Candidates must reside in California. For complete job descriptions and information on how to apply, click here.

  • Supply Chain Manager – Responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring the overall supply chain strategy to maximize the efficiency and productivity of contracted mattress transport and recycling vendors. We are looking for a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced work culture and is looking to stretch his/her abilities with a company that will provide opportunities for growth.
  • Special Projects Coordinator – Perform various tasks required to maintain regulatory and annual reporting compliance and achieve program goals and objectives in the areas of environmental justice, illegal dumping, annual reports and communications for the state of California.

Leading and Learning at CRRA

MRC was proud to be a presenter, exhibitor and sponsor at the California Resource Recovery Association’s 44th annual conference and trade show. The fully-virtual event provided MRC valuable opportunities to grow our collection network, build new collaborative relationships and contribute ideas and solutions surrounding recycling and sustainable materials management. Managing Director Mike O’Donnell gave an overview of MRC’s successful program in the state along with an update on MRC-funded research, efforts to combat illegal dumping and environmental justice initiatives. MRC also hosted a booth on the show “floor” and offered a video “demo” multiple times during the event to offer attendees the chance to learn more about mattress recycling options across the state.

Northeast News

Reaching Rhode Islanders through Big Brothers Big Sisters MRC Collaborates With #LoveHartford

Like many nonprofits, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island experienced a surge in donated items recently as residents spent extra time indoors cleaning out their homes. While dropping off smaller household goods and clothes, residents often brought mattresses and box springs which Big Brothers Big Sisters does not accept.

To address this problem, MRC is working with the nonprofit to expand education about no-cost mattress recycling through Bye Bye Mattress. An MRC-produced flyer was provided for use at donation centers and on their local Big Green Bins. Information cards were also created as a leave behind for the organization’s home pickup team.

We are always looking for ways to expand our consumer outreach. If you represent an organization interested in free education materials about the Bye Bye Mattress program, contact our marketing department today.

Connecticut Transportation RFP Open Through Sept. 8

“Qualified and experienced transporters are encouraged to apply. We will be assessing proposals that will enable MRC to increase the number of units hauled per load to increase program efficiency,” said Director of Operations Justine Fallon. MRC is interested in entering contracts with a base term of three years that can be extended in annual increments at the mutual consent of the parties. View the complete RFP here.

Retailer Outreach Ongoing in Rhode Island

MRC’s customer service outreach initiative launched last month beginning in the state of Rhode Island. The initiative aims to provide better support, resources and the latest program details to registered retail participants.

To date, MRC has emailed, called and sent our customer service survey to over 125 retailers in Rhode Island. If you have not yet heard from us, please be on the lookout for an email and phone call from Paris Gholston, our industry communications specialist. Your feedback is important and will help us to better serve you. Outreach to retailers in Connecticut will begin in mid-September, with California on deck after that as we aim to connect with every retailer registered with MRC at least once a year. For immediate assistance with any questions or concerns, email our customer service department or reach out to your program coordinator.

New Collection Sites

Welcome Goodwill of Greater East Bay

MRC would like to welcome Goodwill of Greater East Bay to the mattress recycling program!

This is the fourth Goodwill location to join the program. Visit their listing on the Bye Bye Mattress website for more information.

Goodwill of Greater East Bay
1301 30th Ave.
Oakland, Ca. 94501
Mattresses are accepted for recycling Mon.-Sun., 10 am to 6 pm.

Upcoming Events

Summer Las Vegas Market 
August 30 – September 3
Website: https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/

We will miss seeing you at our booth this year! Please email us to connect and learn more about our many programs and resources.

For Retailers

Customer Education Materials

Samples:

For Collection Site & Event Hosts

Collection Site Hosts:

Find press releases, flyers, site signage and more!

Event Hosts:

Media alerts, flyers, posters, signage and more!

Recyclers in Your Area

California

Businesses need to make arrangements directly with recyclers. Those with at least 100 units may contact Joy Broussard for Commercial Volume Pickup.

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