Citing Bedbugs, Newark to Require Old Mattresses be Wrapped

NEWARK — If you’re going to toss a mattress in Brick City, you may soon have to ensure it is wrapped in plastic.

The City Council is set to approve a measure on Wednesday requiring that mattresses be wrapped in plastic before they are placed curbside for disposal.

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East Ward Councilman Michael Silva said he hopes the measure will force landlords to ensure disposed mattresses are wrapped and department of public works employees pick up the mattresses.

“What happens is DPW passes by, doesn’t take the mattress,” Silva said during a meeting last month. “The mattress is out there for some time and it’s disgusting, and it’s a bad look for the city.”

South Ward Councilman Patrick Council also supports the measure.

“It makes it a lot easier for the DPW crew to be able to pick up without having to worry about any kind of contaminants that may be on the mattresses or on the box springs,” Council said.

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The proposed regulation states that the law is “to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and the breeding of insects/bedbugs.”

According to the CDC, bedbugs are not disease vectors — even though they present other issues.

“Bedbugs are not known to spread disease,” the CDC says. “Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.”

What’s Next?

A public hearing on the updated local law is scheduled for the Wednesday, May 8, City Council meeting, which begins at 12:30 p.m. at City Hall, 920 Broad St., Newark. Visitors must present identification to be permitted to enter the building.

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