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SB 603

Mattress Stewardship Program - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Washington

Maryland bill establishes manufacturer-funded mattress recycling program requiring producers to finance collection and processing of used mattresses to reduce landfill waste.

Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 603

Legislative bill overview

SB 603 establishes a mattress stewardship program in Maryland requiring manufacturers and retailers to manage end-of-life mattress disposal and recycling. The program would create a system where producers finance collection, transportation, and processing of used mattresses to divert them from landfills.

Why is this important

Mattresses are bulky waste items that consume significant landfill space and contain recyclable materials like metal springs and foam. This legislation shifts disposal responsibility from municipalities (taxpayers) to manufacturers, potentially reducing waste management costs and environmental impact while creating incentives for recycling infrastructure development.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost pass-through concerns: Manufacturers may increase mattress prices to cover stewardship program costs, potentially affecting consumer purchasing power
  • Administrative complexity: Establishing collection networks, certification standards, and tracking systems requires significant regulatory infrastructure and ongoing oversight
  • Small business impact: Smaller mattress retailers and manufacturers may face disproportionate compliance burdens compared to larger competitors with existing supply chains
  • Recycling market viability: Success depends on whether recycled mattress materials can achieve commercial value; if markets are weak, program costs could escalate

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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