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A new bill in Maryland aims to address the growing issue of mattress waste and the strain on state landfills, and it’s getting closer to passing. Critics call it a “sleep tax,” but supporters argue it’s necessary to reduce environmental waste.
The bill proposes a fee on all mattress sales in Maryland, which would fund a statewide mattress recycling program. Mattresses are bulky and difficult to recycle, often taking up significant landfill space and posing environmental risks like contamination and fire hazards. Local governments struggle with the costs of recycling mattresses, and many lack programs to handle the task. The proposed legislation would remove local authorities’ burden by creating a statewide mattress stewardship program, requiring mattress producers to devise plans for proper disposal and recycling.
While the bill has gained support from environmental groups, including the Maryland Recycling Network, some Maryland retailers and residents are concerned about the added cost. Retailers like Fred Edwards from Wolf’s Furniture argue that customers already face high taxes on mattress purchases, and the proposed “sleep tax” would only add to the financial burden.
Supporters, however, argue that this new fee could result in long-term savings. They point out that local taxes and fees already fund the disposal of mattresses, and the new program would cover recycling costs, offering a clear benefit when disposing of old mattresses.
The Maryland Retailers Alliance has voiced opposition, cautioning that the added fee could lead to higher household costs and create an unfair advantage for mattress companies participating in the stewardship program. Critics also warn that the bill could set a dangerous precedent for imposing new fees on other hard-to-dispose-of or potentially hazardous items.
Despite the concerns, advocates like Kitty McIlroy, president of the Maryland Recycling Network, emphasize that the program is crucial for Maryland’s future sustainability. The state’s landfills are quickly reaching capacity, and without change, the costs of waste management could become prohibitively expensive.
The bill passed the House and is now headed to the Senate for approval. If the law is enacted, mattress sales in Maryland would be subject to the fee starting in 2027, with a ban on mattress disposal in landfills or incinerators beginning in 2031.
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