2021
The Australian Government is supporting the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council Limited (ABSC) to develop an industry-led product stewardship scheme for mattresses and bedding.
The problem
Over 1 million mattresses are disposed of in landfills each year in Australia. This causes stability issues for landfills and releases harmful micro particles into the environment.
The solution
Since 2013 the industry has been working with social enterprise recycler Soft Landing on a mattress recycling scheme in the ACT, NSW, Vic and WA. This grant is supporting the expansion of the scheme to cover all states and territories.
The project is supported by Australian manufacturers, retailers and supply chain participants that represent 60% of the market.
The project is also exploring opportunities to increase recycling of pocket springs and composite textiles which currently have low recycling rates. ABSC is being supported with a grant of $937,700 through the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund.
When
This new product stewardship scheme is expected to launch in December 2022.
Contact
ABSC: Janelle Wallace jwallace@beddingstewardship.org.au (02) 8076 9325
Department: ProductStewardshipImplementation@awe.gov.au