MRC News
Interactive Illegal Dumping Workshop Hosted by MRC to Help Develop Solutions and Strategies
On Oct. 23 in Oakland, Calif., MRC hosted an Illegal Dumping Workshop that brought together stakeholder groups to discuss root causes and strategies to address this ongoing problem. Attendees represented a wide variety of public, private and nonprofit organizations that contend with illegal dumping issues on a day-to-day basis. The workshop was facilitated by Gigantic Idea Studio, a local consulting firm in the Bay Area.
The first part of the workshop focused on gathering information from attendees through a mapping exercise. Each participant had the opportunity to map their ideas and experiences related to the causes of illegal dumping. During the second half of the day attendees worked in small groups to generate and present two potential solutions or ideas that could be implemented. There were no limitations in terms of the scale of the ideas. Findings and recommendations from the workshop will be shared with attendees, decisionmakers and other key stakeholders in an effort to mitigate illegal dumping.
To learn more about MRC’s educational outreach and public service campaign to stop the illegal dumping of mattresses click here.
MRC Honored as “Partner of the Year” by the Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC)
The Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) presented MRC with its “Partner of the Year” award. MRC works closely with the organization to provide access to mattress recycling throughout California’s Central Valley.
For almost two years, GVCC’s Stockton and Sonora yards have served as permanent mattress collection sites, collecting thousands of mattresses. Corps Members also provided labor at regional collection events, including a recent week long event in Stockton.The partnerships developed with GVCC and other local nonprofits are key to the success of MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program. Read more about GVCC ad its work with MRC in this op-ed published in the Stockton Record.
MRC in Action at America Recycles Day Events Held in Nation’s Capital
As a leader in sustainability and recycling, MRC participated in the America Recycles Innovation Fair and Summit in Washington D.C. on Nov. 14 and 15 hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The fair was open to the public and featured exhibitors and innovators dedicated to recycling and protecting the environment. Read more here about MRC or get recycling facts from the EPA here.
SoCal Furniture and Accessory Market Offered Opportunity for Retailers to Get MRC Updates
This month, MRC’s Industry Communications Specialist Paris Gholston and Program and Logistics Coordinator Joy Broussard attended the SoCal Furniture and Accessory Market in Long Beach, Calif. They had the opportunity to provide updates on recent changes to MRC’s program in California, the Commercial Volume Pickup program and the Sleep Products Sustainability Program. Many attendees also stopped by the booth to discuss retailer registration and reporting, learn about drop-off options and pick up customer education materials about the recycling fee.
Futons Added to Program in Calif. as of Jan. 1
Futons will be added to the mattress recycling program in California and will be subject to recycling fees as of Jan. 1, 2020. The $10.50 fee and recycling obligations apply only to the futon mattress, not to the futon frame or base. This change is a result of Assembly Bill 187 (AB 187) signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 10, amending California’s Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act (SB 254). More information about the new requirements and next steps for retailers and manufacturers is available here or visit MRCreporting.org.
Research
MRC Releases Wood End Market Report
In an effort to increase foundation wood recycling rates, MRC contracted with SCS Engineers of San Jose, Calif., to complete a wood recycling assessment and research on alternative wood markets for the 10 California-based mattress recycling facilities. The assessment includes a full report on each recycler’s current dismantling practices, existing wood outlets and alternative wood markets within 25 miles of each facility. Five nontraditional recycled wood markets were also examined for their long term potential as new future markets, as well as equipment options to help recyclers improve efficiencies. View the executive summary here.
Collection Site Award Applications Up 30%
Thank you to everyone who submitted award applications for up to $10,000 to fund infrastructure or equipment projects at MRC collection sites in Calif. We saw a 30% increase in applications this round. Recipients will be announced in the next few weeks. MRC awarded more than $120,000 in our first cycle earlier this fall. The award program is part of MRC’s annual $1 million research fund to improve the recyclability of discarded mattresses and box springs and build new markets for recycled mattress materials.
WANTED: Innovative Ideas for End-Use Mattress Components by Dec. 31
MRC is seeking creative proposals which demonstrate potential to use hard-to-recycle mattress components in new or reformulated applications and/or products. Applicants may submit pre-proposals any time before Dec. 31, 2019. Researchers whose concepts show merit will be invited to submit a full proposal. More information is available here.
In the Community
Park City Green‘s Adrienne Houel Named Conn. Women’s Hall of Fame Honoree
MRC would like to congratulate Adrienne Houel for being honored at the 25th Anniversary Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony. She has partnered with MRC as a recycler since 2015 and been an integral part of the program’s success.
The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame is an educational outreach organization whose mission is to honor publicly the achievements of Connecticut women, preserve their stories, educate the public and inspire women and girls. Congrats again, Adrienne!
MRC Presents 2019 Environmental Stewardship Awards
MRC would like to congratulate its 2019 Environmental Stewardship Award winners. The award recognizes and commends elected officials in California who have made significant contributions toward protecting the state’s environment.
Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley (District 4) was recognized for his outstanding commitment and leadership of community initiatives to combat illegal dumping, including the Illegal Dumping Pilot Team and Communities United to Remove Blight.
Senator Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) was an early supporter of MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program. Bates partnered with MRC to host a mattress recycling collection event at Vista High School in her district. She was a vocal supporter of recent legislation to expand MRC’s already successful statewide mattress recycling network in Calif.
Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) has received high ratings from environmental justice organizations and recognition from his colleagues for his commitment to recycling and sustainability. He served as a program ambassador at Inglewood’s 2019 Earth Day event, the city’s largest to date.
“We applaud these leaders for advancing environmental stewardship and recycling initiatives in support of a greener California,” said MRC Managing Director Mike O’Donnell, who presented the awards.
Upcoming Events
Look for MRC if you are attending any of these upcoming events:
Winter Las Vegas Market
January 26 – 30, 2020
Las Vegas, NV
Learn More
ISPA Expo
March 18 – 20, 2020
New Orleans, LA
Learn More
For Retailers
Customer Education Materials
For Collection Site & Event Hosts
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.
Connecticut & Rhode Island
Businesses should contact our Northeast Program Coordinator Dan McGowan for arrangements.
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