Marblehead Nets Thousands for Green Initiatives From State

MARBLEHEAD, MA - Marblehead was one of 57 Massachusetts towns and organizations named in the most recent regional grant awards from the MassDEP Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP).

In total, the Town is set to receive over $50,000 towards green programs including mattress recycling and a cardboard compactor.

According to Mass.gov, residents and businesses discard approximately 600,000 mattresses and box springs annually. These items are made up almost entirely of recyclable materials. Once disassembled, up to 95 percent of mattress components can be recycled.

Under the SMRP grant program, Marblehead was awarded $7,500 for a cardboard compactor, $5,500 for new roll-off recycling containers, and $7,5000 in mattress recycling equipment.

The grants also included $32,000 worth of incentives to boost the mattress recycling program.

In total, more than $4.1 million in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants, according to a press release from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants are an opportunity for the commonwealth to partner with cities and towns to protect our environment and encourage recycling that will lead to less greenhouse gas emissions and save money on waste disposal,” said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement. “Through the SMRP, our administration remains committed to supporting local waste reduction efforts that improve the health of our communities and the vitality of our businesses.”

Courtesy Photo / Mass.gov