Allows In-State Retailers No-Cost Drop-Off at Participating Recycling Facilities
Alexandria, VA – Today, California’s Mattress Stewardship Plan will take effect, making it the second state in the nation to launch a statewide recycling program for used mattresses and box springs. The program is administered by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), a non-profit organization created by the mattress industry to develop and manage the state mattress recycling program mandated by law in 2013.
The law resulted from the International Sleep Products Association’s (ISPA) efforts to develop a practical and economically efficient approach to mattress recycling. Since the law was passed in 2013, MRC has worked to develop a mattress disposal solution for municipalities, mattress retailers, hotels, military facilities, universities, healthcare facilities and others throughout the state. California retailers may also make arrangements with MRC for no-cost drop-off of used mattresses and box springs at an MRC contracted recycling facility.
“The mattress industry has been focused on mattress recycling for over 20 years,” said Ryan Trainer, president of ISPA and MRC. “Through MRC, the industry has taken a positive step to protect the environment and bring all stakeholders together to create a cost-effective solution for a long-term problem.”
The program is funded through an $11 recycling fee that is collected when a new, used or renovated mattress or box spring is sold to California consumers. Consumers will notice this fee as a separate line item on their receipt. Retailers and other businesses selling mattresses will collect and remit the fees to MRC each month through a convenient online payment portal. The fees will be used to pay service providers that will transport and recycle the discarded mattresses.
The program is expected to discourage consumers from illegally dumping their used mattress by providing no-cost recycling at solid waste disposal facilities throughout the state. With the number of recycled mattresses increasing, MRC will also support market development for the reclaimed steel, foam, wood and fiber.
A similar recycling program was launched in Connecticut in May of 2015. To learn more about MRC’s programs visit www.mattressrecyclingcouncil.org.
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.
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