The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is required to issue an annual report to the state legislature on product stewardship. The report often designates consumer products for further action, including establishing mandatory recycling programs that are funded by manufacturers.
In 2014, the report identified mattresses as a potential target for further action. This year’s report removed mattresses from its target list and makes no reference to future action on these products.
For the last two years the International Sleep Products Association has been in contact with state officials in Maine, urging them not to pursue mattress-recycling legislation. ISPA also commented on last year’s report, stating that mattresses should not be subject to further action. ISPA will continue to monitor and respond to Maine’s efforts on this issue.