Ms. Randi Mail

Recycling Director

617.349.4866

rmail@cambridgema.gov

3 to 8% MSW =

500-1200 TONS/YR

2011 MassDEP Waste Study. Bulky waste, untreated & treated wood.

24%

36%

16%

24%

Spring 2013

Curbside

Survey

Upholstered Couch/Chair

Boxspring/mattress

Real Wood Item

Particleboard Item

500-1200 TONS/YR…

…3-8% TOTAL MSW

This family needs:3 Beds1 Kitchen Table3 Chairs1 Couch1 Coffee Table1 DresserEtc….

Partnerships / Brain Trust

1 432

10 Key Observations1. Emphasize in-home vs. curbside pickups

2. “Good condition” standards differ

3. Timing & convenience is key for leases ending, tenants moving

4. Need outlet for good mattresses

5. Need infrastructure to propose new policies

6. Different municipal approaches

7. Need furniture bank to serve Cambridge, Boston, Somerville

8. Social benefits are most compelling

9. Non-profit movers need support/resources

10. Need repair capacity & infrastructure

• 30% increase of tons around move in/out

• 3-8% of MSW is bulky items or wood

• 500-1200 tons/year – at least 1,000,000 lbs

• $40K-$100K/year – avoided disposal fees

• Curb survey of items (36% Beds, 24% Upholstered, 24% PB, 16% Wood)

• 18 moves/year – Solutions at Work

• 12 families/day – Coalition for Homeless

• 36,000+ large items – 2013 HGRM to families

Data Points

• Collection partnership -Coalition for the Homeless

• Furniture City” app

• Help from Recycling Advisory Committee– Research on mattresses

– Outreach to retailers

– Repair café

• Looking for warehouse space

Next Steps

Definitions from MA Waste Characterization Studies

Bulky Materials means products made from multiple materials and large in size, which are meant for extended use. Includes mattresses, furniture (non-plastic), sinks, toilets, and other non-metal items.

Wood – Treated means wood that contains an adhesive, paint, stain, fire retardant, pesticide or preservative.

Wood – Untreated refers to any wood which does not contain an adhesive, paint, stain, fire retardant, pesticide or preservative; includes such items as pallets, skids, spools, packaging materials, bulky wood waste or scraps from newly built wood products. Does not including land clearing debris or yard waste prunings and trimmings.