FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2012

(Alexandria, VA) –The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) issued the following statement regarding the Connecticut General Assembly’s decision to adjourn for the year without passing used mattress recycling legislation:

Collecting, dismantling and recycling discarded used mattresses can be a complicated process. After listening to parties with an interest in the legislation, and recognizing the fundamental practical problems that a new statewide system may encounter, the Connecticut legislature decided not to enact a mandatory used mattress recycling law.  ISPA opposed the bill when it was introduced because it would have imposed unreasonable costs and burdens on mattress manufacturers, retailers and consumers.  We support the decision not to enact a mandatory state recycling law.

ISPA has been working for a number of years to encourage responsible recycling of used mattresses and supports the development of legitimate recycling operations. ISPA is currently leading the push for a federal mattress recycling program.

“The sponsors of S.B. 89 considered the important logistical and commercial concerns with the mattress recycling bill at a state level. However, ISPA firmly believes that the best approach to efficient and legitimate mattress recycling lies in federal legislation.  A federal recycling program would permit efficiencies and economies of scale that are not possible at a state or local level.  It would apply consistent collection and processing practices across the country that would benefit all parties concerned by driving down recycling costs for both consumers and manufacturers while also increasing recycling rates,” said ISPA President, Ryan Trainer.

ISPA will continue to advocate for federal legislation with the goal to build a mattress recycling solution that is efficient for both consumers and businesses. To create a program that operates most efficiently, ISPA believes national legislation must be created to address the needs of all – consumers, retailers and manufacturers – under one unified, consistent program.  The association will continue to work with state and local governments to address the mattress disposal challenges that municipalities face while continuing to advocate for a broad-ranging federal solution.
About the International Sleep Products Association:

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 represents nearly 700 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, the ISPAEarth™ Industry Sustainability Initiative, and more.

To learn more, contact [email protected].

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