Does the textile waste ban seem like it is going to be a nightmare to anyone else?

Submitted by lufecaep t3_yjzn2r in massachusetts

Here’s what you need to know about the textile and mattress waste ban that goes into effect Nov. 1

I already donate what I can but it is getting harder and harder to find a place to do so. Probably because the donation locations are becoming such an eye sore that nobody wants one on their property. They are always surrounded by non-textile junk. Also might explain why more and more people seem to be dumping their waste in the dumpsters at my condo.

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Own-Suit5786 t1_iuqrqmn wrote

Oh my lord this has been one of my biggest beefs lately. I don’t have a car or know someone with a large truck. My town’s website has had hilariously contradictory information about how to get a sticker for the dump and what, I’m going to slap it in a UHaul?

So for large items I’ve got an estimate from 1-800-GOT-JUNK, and then just offered a random local on Nextdoor who does odd jobs to take the items for the same price, then tip a bit. But now they probably will run into the same crap.

I foresee a lot of barely tied to a Civic box springs being discarded at your condo or on Rte 1 or something.

And sorry if I’m being stupid, I don’t understand how you can make it harder for the citizens without a solution. Some informercial jerks is not a solution.

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legitcopp3rmerchant t1_iuqybki wrote

100% there is going to be more waste dumped on back roads and other spots. My towns transfer station is only open 2 days a week for like 4 hours. They posted a note that they will not be taking mattresses but the transfer station 3 towns away will take it if you have a sticker. Like what the fuck. Its a good idea but there is no logistics to support it.

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Own-Suit5786 t1_iur136q wrote

I asked my landlords if they would have a dumpster, and they said no that is not appropriate. Then they cleared out an apartment and had a dumpster here for a month. They didn’t notice and I got rid of my garbage

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EnoughIdeas t1_iurbbrn wrote

Rt 2 and 190 are about to become mattress and box spring grave yards.

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legalpretzel t1_ius3s7r wrote

Worcester has been a dumping grounds for years because of the city’s insistence that residents transport their bulk waste to the drop off center and also pay a fee for each item.

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EnoughIdeas t1_ius65fr wrote

Cool. You know route 2 doesn't go anywhere near Worcester right?

Also based on recent experience Worcester is cleaner than a lot of Boston.

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Ecto-1A t1_iur9wr8 wrote

This is really just for big businesses, places like Forever 21 and Goodwill dumping tons of unused clothing into landfills

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Own-Suit5786 t1_iuqtcoy wrote

To be clear this is hundred percent related to mattresses and box springs. The textiles will not be noticed, and if someone else uses a towel once I am good. I’ll air dry. That’s narsty

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Mermaid_La_Reine t1_iur90f7 wrote

It’s Massachusetts, so therefore the game is like this: YOU pay to get rid of ‘it’. ‘It’ goes to someone who will then break it down and resell the components. YOU will then buy the product. THEY profit.

(See also: depositing leaves, and paying for the mulch.)🤦‍♀️

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BF1shY t1_iuqws6e wrote

The article said if textiles and mattress has bodily fluids or chemicals on it you can still toss it so just piss all over it or throw oil, paint, or other harmful liquids on it 🙃

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lufecaep OP t1_iuqxs8v wrote

lol what mattress doesn't have bodily fluids of some sort on it.

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SouthShoreSerenade t1_iur4oit wrote

That's the point.

This isn't about your filthy used mattress. This is about unused or unsold product. This affects retailers, not consumers.

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RevengencerAlf t1_iurrb4u wrote

Except that the MassDEP's own statements don't align with this. They go on and on about residential waste and specifically discuss and target mattresses.

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ConcernedCitizen13 t1_iurlm5b wrote

This needs to be the top comment

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Tacoman404 t1_iusolav wrote

I’m shocked people didn’t know about this before posting and commenting. It’s almost like they didn’t read into it at all.

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mikemerriman t1_iurxmhl wrote

unfortunately many cities are not interpreting it that way - this from Salem MA: Per new state regulations, mattresses and box springs can no longer be disposed of as trash and instead must be recycled. The City of Salem has contracted with Tough Stuff Recycling to provide curbside mattress and box spring recycling. While there is currently no charge for this service for Salem residents, the City is evaluating fee options and this may change later in 2022.
To view an FAQ about mattress recycling through Tough Stuff Recycling, please visit www.salemma.gov/mattress. To schedule your curbside pick-up, please visit https://order.toughstuffrecycling.com. If you have additional questions about this service, please call the City’s Recycling and Trash Department at 978-619-5672.

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legalpretzel t1_ius352c wrote

Mattresses are apparently still accepted at the bulk waste drop off in Worcester (but our city’s government has never really been at the forefront of change). Residents have to have a way to get it there though because the city doesn’t offer any pick up options for bulk waste that don’t cost $$$.

Creative folks seem to have found a solution - they just dump them in random spots all around the city - it’s free and you don’t even have to be Worcester resident!

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milesmaven16 t1_iuskdyb wrote

My town came to the same conclusion as Salem. They haven't announced a recycle company yet though.

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ShadowGLI t1_iurzjgb wrote

This law was made for manufacturers and retailers who have been literally just throwing out unused clothes and mattresses rather than donating them, because God forbid someone benefit from the products without paying the money.

It’s like the boutique store MO where something goes out of season and they would never send it to Marshall so they have to destroy it instead

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charons-voyage t1_iur5htc wrote

So wait if a mattress has bodily fluid on it, you can still leave it on the curb?

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BF1shY t1_iurd9dh wrote

Oh no, sorry I reread the article, only soiled textiles are excluded:
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/10/31/textile-mattress-waste-ban-goes-into-effect-nov-1-massachusetts-massdep/

>Textiles containing mold, bodily fluids, insects, oil, or hazardous substances are exempt from the ban.

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mikemerriman t1_iury3bi wrote

incorrect - if you read the actual state law it included soiled mattresses:

Mattress means any resilient material or combination of materials that is enclosed by ticking, used alone or in combination with other products, that is intended for sleeping upon, except for mattresses that are contaminated with mold, bodily fluids, insects, oil, or hazardous substances. Mattress includes any foundation or box-spring. Mattress does not include any mattress pad, mattress topper, sleeping bag, pillow, car bed, carriage, basket, dressing table, stroller, playpen, infant carrier, lounge pad, crib bumper, liquid or gaseous filled ticking, including any water bed and any air mattress that does not contain upholstery material between the ticking and the mattress core, and mattresses in futons and sofa beds.

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Own-Suit5786 t1_iuqu4o4 wrote

“More than 600,000 mattresses and box springs are thrown away each year in Massachusetts“

So we’re gonna do nothing by making it illegal? I feel like we got half the story.

And is there some govt agency you’re supposed to call and say “this mattress is unclean?” They’re nasty on day one

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[deleted] t1_iur3vpd wrote

[deleted]

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DumbshitOnTheRight t1_iuriyyi wrote

> My understanding is that this law is not ment to apply at the individual level.

It wasn't written that way, unfortunately.

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mikemerriman t1_iuryi3w wrote

exactly -and some cities are hoping on that to reduce their disposal fees

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marmosetohmarmoset t1_iur5li9 wrote

From my understanding the law is mainly meant to go after big companies that trash a LOT of textiles. The recycling police aren’t going to go through your trash and throw you in jail if they find some old socks in there or anything.

For big things like mattresses, are you sure your town doesn’t have an organized pickup option?

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Cheap_Coffee t1_iuqypy8 wrote

The textile waste ban will have all the meaning that the hand-held mobile phone while driving ban has.

None.

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boy_inna_box t1_iur4tvs wrote

The textile ban is largely aimed at larger organizations. They've said they don't really have any plans to enforce it for individual households.

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DumbshitOnTheRight t1_iuqmy4j wrote

It'll simply be ignored by most.

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tenderooskies t1_iur9sbd wrote

its meant for large organizations, not individuals

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mikemerriman t1_iurynqo wrote

unfortunately cities are already telling their trash haulers not to pick up mattresses

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tenderooskies t1_iuryy81 wrote

may just be me, but when you buy a new mattress don’t you have the company take your old one?

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mikemerriman t1_iurzsjz wrote

many people are buying mattresses online like casper, etc. no take away old mattress option. people moving often don't take old mattresses with them

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tenderooskies t1_ius0gel wrote

fair. no idea why towns / cities aren’t picking up anymore. maybe call? the text of the bill says specifically it’s about businesses / industry:

https://www.mass.gov/news/new-waste-disposal-ban-regulations-take-effect-today

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mikemerriman t1_ius1xjg wrote

"The new regulations will ban the disposal of mattresses and textiles in the trash, as well as decrease food waste from businesses and institutions. " only about food waste for businesses

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mikemerriman t1_ius22o3 wrote

Salem, Massachusetts - City Government

22h ·

Per new state regulations, mattresses and box springs can no longer be disposed of as trash and instead must be recycled. The City of Salem has contracted with Tough Stuff Recycling to provide curbside mattress and box spring recycling. While there is currently no charge for this service for Salem residents, the City is evaluating fee options and this may change later in 2022.

To view an FAQ about mattress recycling through Tough Stuff Recycling, please visit www.salemma.gov/mattress. To schedule your curbside pick-up, please visit https://order.toughstuffrecycling.com. If you have additional questions about this service, please call the City’s Recycling and Trash Department at 978-619-5672.

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keegan1015 t1_iuqwn43 wrote

So now we’re going to see mattresses left on streets, The smaller stuff will be ignored and still put out with household trash.

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RickyDontLoseThat t1_iuqwc2v wrote

We'll just go back to tossing them in the backyard burn pit like our grandfathers did.

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PakkyT t1_iur8iiv wrote

Don't forget standing around it sipping a beer and enjoying the burning foam rubber fumes. 😆

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EnoughIdeas t1_iurc5km wrote

Worcester gutter trash fires will make a comeback as well.

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DrOblivion5550 t1_iuqz46i wrote

The rules are being applied to companies and not individuals which I think reveals a lot about the State. WRT bedding I never had a problem since most times when you buy one the company will haul the old bedding away. And when I needed to get rid of extra mattresses it never fit in my garbage can and I needed to deal with the trash company in our town.

But shoes? Clothes? Old towels? I can put them in the garbage can and stick the problem to the disposal company. Personally I think a lot of "recycling" is pretty bogus. I heard only 0 and 1 plastics are really recycled and the rest go into the trash stream. Unless and until the state/states get together and solve the waste stream problems this is all crap!

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Hilarias_Glucose_Cup t1_ius2sne wrote

I'll probably take a saws all and cut my old mattress into quarters and bring it to the local dump or slowly cut pieces out, shove them in a trash bag and hope no one notices when i dump the bag in my trash. Could probably get a mattress fully thrown out in 5or 6 weeks by cutting it up and spreading it across two barrels.

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ErkMcGurk t1_ius8jyv wrote

This seems to be the thing to do now. In Watertown, it now costs $46 to recycle a mattress, but if it's too dirty to be sold to someone else, it costs $81. If somebody takes the mattress from your curb before the recycling people come, the recycling people only charge you $25.

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Hilarias_Glucose_Cup t1_ius92yr wrote

It is going to come down to time and convenience for a lot of people. It is a toss up to me whether I sneak it in my trash or if i'd rather deal with the 20 minute ride to the dump, waiting in line behind a bunch of contractors dumping their trash so i can get yelled at by the guy directing cars at the trash center, and then get in line to pay however much it cost to dump it.

If I do the cut it up at home and sneak it in the trash, it may take some time but I'm not dealing with the hassle of the trash place and I can do it at my own pace.

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ErkMcGurk t1_iusa57f wrote

Once it's disassembled, it's not a mattress, it's just a piece of dirty old fabric and a bunch of springs, and not subject to mattress disposal laws 😉

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Hilarias_Glucose_Cup t1_iusaiea wrote

Thought about it and I'd definitely rather disassemble it than face those angry junk yard workers 😂 Those guys are like going to the Registry.

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RevengencerAlf t1_iurqo7v wrote

It's an absolute dogshit ban that is looking for a problem to solve and making it worse in the process.

Most of our textile "donations" already just go towards fucking up the economies of developing countries, and donating additional lower-quality crap that people would have thrown away before will make this even worse.

Aside from that, you can just intentionally soil any product you want to discard and not be breaking the law. But I'm sure for people that doesn't occur to we'll just see more dumping of mattresses and stuff in vacant lots.

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rjoker103 t1_iuruj7k wrote

Which used mattress doesn’t have some sort of bodily fluids on it??

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mikemerriman t1_iurw2g1 wrote

I don't understand how used mattresses aren't "contaminated by bodily fluids" and therefore able to be disposed.

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sjwilkinson t1_iutbhhs wrote

I live in Shrewsbury and it has been illegal to put mattresses in the trash for years now. We pay a separate pickup fee like we do for couches and chairs, large items.

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Coggs362 t1_iuquj2k wrote

Personally, not so much a nightmare since I tend to avoid synthetic fabrics, but I guess for fans of fast fashion, it might be. My kids clothes tend to get given away once they outgrow them.

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dpceee t1_iur68tk wrote

If it's covered in oil or bodily fluids, it'd exempt. Draw your own conclusions

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chavery17 t1_iurgfgj wrote

Just another silly Massachusetts money grab. Add it to the list

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Watchfull_Hosemaster t1_iurkv6e wrote

I think that we're going to be putting a burden on the yellow bins and second hand collections because that's the logical place to dump your old clothing, towels, sheets, etc.

Mattresses should not be an issue. How often do people replace those? Still, it can cause a burden when people have no way of disposing of a mattress, especially if they can't transport it to an appropriate facility.

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Maronita2020 t1_ius6m5c wrote

I thought that they were at every public school! No?

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HeartrendingExpress t1_iutzf2b wrote

I've been making cleaning rags, cutting up my old shirts in to squares, use them as rags to clean my car and bicycle, then throw the dirty rags away.

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Tacoman404 t1_iuqrqt0 wrote

Why don’t you go to an actual donation center instead of those bins in parking lots? Somewhere like Savers or Goodwill.

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Own-Suit5786 t1_iuquk6c wrote

Not a lot of cars that transport mattresses, and they’re banned anyway

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lufecaep OP t1_iuquoqy wrote

Those are fewer and further between so it really doesn't address the issue. I don't have either of those near me. And the homeless shelter I used to donate at replaced their box with one of the yellow ones.

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PakkyT t1_iur8p7y wrote

Probably for most people those places are out of the way and some distance to get to. Where as every town has a scattering of those donation bins in and around the places you normally are going to be on a daily basis, so easier to just take the bag to the bin in the parking lot at the grocery store..

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TywinShitsGold t1_iur4m4b wrote

So now all my old clothes have to get dumped on the doorstep of the nearest goodwill? Cuz if they’re not “accepting” donations they’re getting it anyway.

And they can figure out how to ship it up to their warehouse in NH/CT just to throw it in their dumpster anyway.

I’m glad my apartment complex has dumpsters.

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tenderooskies t1_iur9yqh wrote

  1. you should donate your old clothes anyway? people may need them - and there are a ton of places to do so

  2. this is targeted at large companies / organizations that toss mattresses / textiles rather than recycling

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