Bill > H916

This bill aims to establish a statewide mattress stewardship program in the Commonwealth. The key provisions include: 1. Defining key terms related to mattress recycling, such as "brand," "discarded mattress," and "mattress stewardship fee." 2. Requiring producers or their designees to join the Mattress Recycling Council and submit a plan to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a statewide mattress stewardship program within 180 days. The program must provide free, convenient, and accessible statewide opportunities for the receipt of discarded mattresses and promote mattress recycling. 3. Specifying the requirements for the plan, including performance goals, fee structure, and establishment of an Employment Social Enterprise Impact Program to contract with a nonprofit entity for mattress recycling services. 4. Outlining the approval process for the plan by the Commissioner, including public comment periods and the Commissioner's ability to modify and approve the plan. 5. Requiring the Council to submit annual reports to the Commissioner and establishing a Mattress Stewardship Program Advisory Committee to provide recommendations. 6. Authorizing the Commissioner to seek civil enforcement and impose penalties for violations of the Act. 7. Directing the DEP to conduct a needs assessment on the state's mattress recycling demand, capacity, and infrastructure, and to solicit public input, particularly from small and rural municipalities. The overall goal of the bill is to assess and improve the future of mattress recycling in the Commonwealth, with a focus on promoting recycling, supporting social enterprises, and addressing the needs of communities across the state.