WA HB 1901, which would establish a mattress recycling extended producer responsibility program in Washington State, was introduced in the Washington State House of Representatives. Unfortunately, ISPA must oppose this bill due to countless unworkable provisions.  

The bill lacks an important provision enabling retailers to collect a small point-of-sale fee to fund the program. ISPA supports funding mattress recycling programs through point-of-sale fees because it is the most efficient, transparent, and equitable way to fund statewide mattress recycling programs. In addition, the bill contains impractical convenience standards for mattress collection and reporting requirements and goals relating to mattress renovation and reuse that the producer responsibility organization cannot reasonably be expected to control or report on.  

ISPA would like to see the Mattress Recycling Council’s program expand to Washington State. However, this bill does not set up the legislative framework necessary for a successful program. Due to its late introduction and numerous other solid waste and recycling related bills being debated in Washington State, ISPA does not anticipate that this bill will advance this legislative session. Nevertheless, ISPA will engage with the appropriate stakeholders to develop legislation that can lead to the implementation of a successful mattress recycling program in the Evergreen State.  

If your company has a presence in Washington State (whether it be a manufacturing plant, headquarters, etc.) and wants to help, please reach out to ISPA’s Government Affairs Team (Alison Keane, Grant Johnson, and Marty Salamone).