Division of Sanitation will no longer be collecting mattresses curbside

Due to an increase in the disposal fees charged by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), effective June 15, the city’s Division of Sanitation will no longer be collecting mattresses curbside, nor will they be accepted for disposal at the Department of Public Works. In July 2006, RIRRC began charging municipalities $15 for every mattress or box spring disposed of at the Johnston landfill. Since that time, the Sanitation Department collected over 4,500 items, at a total disposal cost of more than $52,000 (the city was only charged for approximately 3,500 units). In addition to the $15, the city is also charged for the weight of these items. Effective July 1, RIRRC will increase that fee to $50 per box spring/mattress. Given the same rate of collection, it’s estimated this would cost the city in excess of $110,000. With that amount in mind, and the fact that most local stores will deliver mattresses and remove the old mattress/box spring at no additional cost to customers, the decision was made to eliminate curbside collection. Residents with questions should call the Division of Sanitation at 732-9589.