Massachusetts advocates, operators back mattress recycling program and bill to share costs with producers

Manufacturers, social enterprises and mattress recycling operators urged the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Oct. 12 to adopt legislation establishing an industry‑run mattress recycling program.

Grant Johnson of the International Sleep Products Association said House Bill 10 23 (and related proposals) would require the industry to establish and operate a recycling program modeled after the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), which operates programs in several other states. ISPA said MRC programs provide statewide, no‑cost recycling opportunities for residents and businesses funded by a small per‑unit fee at the point of sale.

Utech, a Lowell‑based nonprofit that runs a mattress recycling social enterprise and trains returning citizens, described program benefits for both diversion and jobs. Ricardo Febles, Utech's chief social enterprise officer, said the nonprofit scaled mattress intake by roughly 150% to meet demand after the 2022 landfill ban and called for state program support to sustain jobs and equitable access to convenient disposal. Jamie Vasquez, a Utech employee who entered the workforce through the program, described the job and life changes enabled by employment there.

Supporters said a coordinated industry program will reduce illegal dumping, lower municipal handling costs and build consistent statewide access. ISPA and others stressed program design that works with MassDEP for oversight; Utech and other social enterprises said they can be part of the network of collectors and processors.

The committee took no formal action; sponsors requested further study and a favorable report to advance the bill so program design can be finalized with DEP oversight and stakeholder input.

Source: Testimony from ISPA, Utech and mattress recycling stakeholders, Oct. 12, 2025 hearing.