MRC News
MRC Staff in Action at Connecticut Recyclers Coalition Event in Branford
MRC staff attended the annual meeting of the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition (CRC) this month to meet with members of the recycling community and key stakeholders. Held at Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, the keynote speaker at the event was DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, who shared an update on DEEP’s 20 by 20 initiative, sustainability and the circular economy. As an event sponsor, MRC hosted a tabletop display and shared information about Connecticut’s successful statewide mattress recycling program and how residents can access the program. Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), co-chair of the state’s Environment Committee was also in attendance, and complimented MRC for the work it is doing in Connecticut.
Above Left: MRC Operations Coordinator Kate Caddy. Above Right (L to R): MRC Policy and Government Affairs Coordinator Grant Johnson, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, Caddy and MRC’s Northeast Program Coordinator Dan McGowan.
2020 California Program Budget Recommended for Approval by CalRecycle
MRC’s 2020 program budget for the state of California was recommended for approval this month by CalRecycle. Managing Director Mike O’Donnell testified at a public hearing in Sacramento. “We greatly appreciate the work of CalRecycle staff in recommending approval of our 2020 budget which will fund MRC’s plans to expand and improve this already successful program,” said O’Donnell.
Since the launch of the program in 2016, nearly 5 million mattresses have been recycled in California and over 250 million pounds of material have been diverted from landfills. “Data collected by CalRecycle and MRC indicates that over 80% of mattresses discarded in California are now being diverted from the state’s landfills. These are great results for a startup organization, and we are excited about the future,” said O’Donnell. “We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with CalRecycle and other stakeholders to expand this already successful program and protect California’s environment.”
Click here to see a copy of the 2020 Budget.
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Bye Bye Mattress Success Video on YouTube
Check out our new video highlighting the success of MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program in California. More than 5 million mattresses have now been recycled in the state. Thank you to everyone who helps make it possible! Click here to watch and share the video.
Research
WANTED: Proposals for End-Use Development of Recovered Mattress Components
In an effort to continue encouraging sustainable growth of mattress recycling programs, we are seeking creative and innovative proposals to help us find new markets for hard-to-recycle recovered mattress materials. Interested parties can submit proposals now through December 31, 2019. Visit our Research Page at www.mattressrecyclingcouncil.org to find out more.
California Collection Sites: Applications Now Open for Grant Funding through Nov.15
MRC is now accepting micro grant applications for its second grant cycle. California facilities that currently collect or will collect discarded mattresses from the public for dismantling by MRC-contracted recyclers are eligible to apply. Collection sites can receive up to $10,000 for eligible projects. Application details can be found here and will be accepted through November 15, 2019. For more information and questions, click here or email Abbie Beane.
Collection Sites & Recyclers
Collection Site Spotlight
This month will begin a regular feature to shine a light on some of our outstanding collection sites. This month we want to recognize:
Willington Transfer Station
High five to the Willington Transfer Station in Connecticut, which has been participating in MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program for nearly a year and has recycled 353 units to date. Our program coordinators enjoy working with DPW Director Troy Sposato and his outstanding staff. Thank you for your continued partnership and support, Willington!!
Welcome New Collection Sites
We are always adding new sites to our collection network. Visit the recycling locator at ByeByeMattress.com for the latest details. If you would like to become a collection site, please contact MRC today.
The most recent addition to our locator directory is:
The City of Ansonia
1 North Division Street
Ansonia, CT 06401
The transfer station is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Pictured: Welcome to new Bye Bye Mattress collection site, Connecticut’s City of Ansonia! There are more than 100 permanent collection sites across CT.
For Retailers
Customer Education Materials
For Collection Site & Event Hosts
Recyclers in Your Area
California
Businesses need to make arrangements directly with recyclers.
Connecticut & Rhode Island
Businesses should contact our Northeast Program Coordinator Dan McGowan for arrangements.
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