Maryland House bill establishes mattress stewardship program with new disposal regulations

During a recent session of the Maryland General Assembly's Economic Matters Committee, lawmakers discussed House Bill 858, which aims to establish a comprehensive mattress stewardship program in the state. This initiative is designed to address the growing issue of mattress disposal and promote recycling efforts.

The proposed legislation requires mattress producers or their representatives to develop and submit a stewardship plan to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) by July 1, 2027. Once approved, the plan must be implemented within one year. Key components of the bill include the formation of an advisory board, a uniform stewardship assessment for all mattresses sold in Maryland to fund the program, and a prohibition on the sale of mattresses unless producers are participating in an approved stewardship program. Additionally, starting January 1, 2031, the disposal of mattresses in landfills or incinerators will be banned.

Amendments to the bill were discussed, including technical changes and clarifications regarding the stewardship assessment and performance goals. Notably, one amendment proposed to sunset the advisory board after five years.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions about current mattress disposal methods. Some counties have existing programs, but these are often costly and inefficient. The discussion highlighted the potential for increased recycling opportunities under the new program, which could provide more accessible disposal options for consumers and businesses.

Concerns were voiced about the financial implications of the program, particularly regarding taxpayer burdens. Some committee members questioned why businesses would not take advantage of recycling opportunities if they were financially viable, suggesting that the program could shift costs to taxpayers rather than incentivizing private recycling efforts.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing mattress waste in Maryland and the potential benefits of a structured stewardship program. As the bill progresses, further discussions will likely focus on balancing environmental goals with economic considerations for both consumers and businesses.