May 3, 2013 (Alexandria, VA) – On Thursday, the Connecticut House of Representatives approved legislation that would create the nation’s first mattress recycling program. The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) supported and helped craft this bill. The legislation authorizes an industry-led recycling council to develop a mattress recycling program funded by a small fee collected at retail from consumers.
“We applaud Environment Committee Chair Representative Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia/Derby) and Ranking Member Representative John Shaban (R-Easton, Redding, Weston), along with bill sponsor Representative Pat Widlitz (D-Guilford, Branford), for their leadership in crafting a fair and practical mattress recycling bill. The Connecticut House of Representatives has advanced legislation that will increase the rate of mattress recycling, which will in turn reduce the impact of illegally discarded mattresses without threatening jobs,” said Ryan Trainer, ISPA President.
ISPA has been working with policymakers in the state, including the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the City of Hartford, to develop mattress recycling legislation that will allow residents in the state to easily recycle mattresses in a way that is good for the environment, consumers and industry. The legislation approved by the House reflects this effort. The bill now heads to the Senate for a vote.
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 represents nearly 700 mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world.
ISPA provides a wide range of services that benefit its membership. These include exclusive industry surveys and statistics, advocacy support, educational offerings, the industry’s ISPA EXPO trade show, safety research through its Sleep Products Safety Council, consumer research and education through its Better Sleep Council, BedTimes and Sleep Savvy publications, and more.
To learn more, visit www.sleepproducts.org or contact info@sleepproducts.org.