Mattress Recycling Program — File 213179

somervillema.gov/ose Mattress Recycling Program February 2022

somervillema.gov/ose Background ▪ Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) issued its final 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan ▪ Establishes goals to reduce disposal statewide by 30 percent over the next decade. ▪ Mattresses are added to the list of materials banned from disposal or transport for disposal in Massachusetts ▪ This ban will be effective from November 1st, 2022

somervillema.gov/ose Somerville's preparation ▪ Somerville is initiating mattress recycling program starting in end of March for all residential units that receive City trash and recycling services. ▪ Public education is under preparation ▫ Environmental Service Guide ▫ Waste Wizard ▫ Social Media ▫ SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs

somervillema.gov/ose Proposed procedure ▪ Recyclable mattresses will be picked up once a week. ▪ There will be a fixed day when mattresses will be picked up. ▪ Resident will contact 311 to notify address week in advance. ▪ The resident will keep the mattress on the curb after 4 PM prior to the pickup day and before 7 AM on pickup day. ▪ A separate box truck from trash contractor will pick up on the scheduled pickup day. ▪ As of now, there will be no cost for mattress recycling. However, mattresses kept for trash on any other day will be ticketed in the near future.

somervillema.gov/ose Bedbug infested mattresses ▪ For bed bug infested mattresses, residents will be advised to mark with some paint, ketchup, etc., so that no one will pick up. ▪ Keep it on the curb trash day and it will be picked up as trash.

somervillema.gov/ose How mattress recycling works ▪ Each mattress or box spring is sent along a conveyor belt, where the foam and fabrics are stripped from the framework and the metal is removed. ▪ The remaining foam and fabrics are sent into a baler and are then shipped to a recycler to be made into new foam.

somervillema.gov/ose Thank you Vithal Deshpande, Environmental Program Manager Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment City of Somerville vdeshpande@somervillema.gov