Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to establish a formal framework for assessing and improving mattress recycling in Massachusetts. It creates specific definitions for key terms like "covered entities," which include retailers and waste facilities that handle discarded mattresses, and "producer," which refers to companies that manufacture or sell mattresses. The legislation sets up a mattress stewardship fee to fund collection, transport, and processing, while also requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to develop performance goals for recycling rates and public awareness. By clarifying roles and funding mechanisms, the bill aims to create a structured approach to managing mattress waste without mandating specific recycling outcomes.
Sen. Vanna Howard
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal mattress stewardship program in Massachusetts to improve the recycling of discarded mattresses. It defines key terms such as "covered entities," which include retailers and facilities that handle discarded mattresses, and sets up a fee system to fund collection and processing efforts. The legislation requires the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee the program and establish performance goals to track recycling rates and public awareness. By creating these specific definitions and oversight mechanisms, the bill aims to create a structured approach to managing mattress waste in the state.
By Representative Ferguson of Holden, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2159) of Kimberly N. Ferguson and others that the Department of Public Health be directed to implement a food labeling program for commercially caught, landed and sold saltwater fish. Public Health.
By Representative Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2205) of Hannah Kane and others relative to date labels on food packaging of products. Public Health.
By Representative Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2158) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Vanna Howard and Mary S. Keefe that the Department of Public Health add electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS) to the list of diseases dangerous to the public health. Public Health.
By Representatives Jones of North Reading and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2201) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Hannah Kane and others relative to authorizing the Department of Public Health to provide guidance to businesses regarding best practices for food donation. Public Health.
By Representatives LeBoeuf of Worcester and Howard of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2223) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Vanna Howard and others relative to the lead law and promoting equal access to lead-free housing. Public Health.
By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2221) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others that the Department of Public Health establish a voluntary certification training program for care of certain patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism. Public Health.
By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2196) of Natalie M. Higgins and others relative to registered nurse patient assignment. Public Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mattress recycling program in the Commonwealth to manage discarded mattresses through environmentally sound practices. It requires mattress producers and retailers to pay a fee, known as a stewardship assessment, which funds a nonprofit organization responsible for collecting and recycling these items. The program mandates that basic collection services be offered to consumers at no cost, while the department of environmental protection oversees program plans and ensures recyclers meet specific performance standards.