UTEC Mattress Recycling Moves to Haverhill

Haverhill, April 2026 — Old mattresses are finding new purposes, and the warehouse accommodating that transformation has found a new spot to call home.

UTEC has relocated and expanded its mattress recycling operation to the Ward Hill in Haverhill, increasing its capacity to serve more than 40 cities and towns across Massachusetts.

The nonprofit announced the move to a 17,000-square-foot warehouse at 231 Neck Road Monday. The new space is 42% larger than the previous site in Lawrence, according to Gregg Croteay, CEO of UTEC.

“We gradually outgrew our previous space,” said Croteau. “When the opportunity arose to transition from our Lawrence location, we were intentional about finding a new facility with room for future growth and proximity to the towns we serve, primarily in northeastern Massachusetts”

UTEC’s new setting includes two offices, a conference room, an open meeting space, an atrium-style common area and a staff break room. The move reflects the group’s continued growth and will create new opportunities for workforce development protection in the region.

In 2014, the mattress recycling enterprise was launched, and UTEC — which stands for United Teen Equality Center — has reported the production increases each year. With the full implementation of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) waste ban in 2022, the UTEC team really started to expand its impact.

Today, UTEC recycles more than 53,000 mattresses and box springs annually. At least 85% of each mattress is diverted from the waste stream, helping reduce landfill use will support paid job training for individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system or returning from incarceration.

“Reentry is at the heart of our mattress recycling program,”Carlos Collazo, UTEC’s Director of Reentry, said. “Young adults returning from incarceration gain paid work experience, build skills, and begin to rebuild their lives. Our new facility means we can create even more of these opportunities for young people ready to move forward.”

The roomier space will allow for the organization to bring young adults on-site for workshops and trainings, host meetings and support staff who work directly from the facility.

“Working in UTEC’s Mattress Recycling Program has been a really meaningful experience for me,” said Aiden Rodriguez, a young adult working at the new Haverhill recycling center. “It’s given me the opportunity to be part of something that not only helps the environment by reducing waste, but also creates positive impacts in the community.”

Now, the recycling operation is within the same city limits as UTEC’s education and workforce developed program at 241 Winter St. There, young adults access transitional coaching, recreational activities and mentoring from staff members. The site also serves as a gathering place for community meetings and events, strengthening UTEC’s connection to locals and community partners.

“UTEC has delivered immense value to the Haverhill community, starting in 2019 when they opened an office in the city on Winter Street,” said Mayor Melinda Barrett.

“In 2022, they began providing mattress recycling services to the city. I am thrilled that they will be relocating their mattress recycling facility to Haverhill, as this move will allow them to bring in more justice-involved young adults into their programming and help them achieve their goals while giving back to the community. I can’t wait to tour their new facility and see UTEC’s impact grow!”

MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple said TTEC’s operation is “essential” for protecting the environment and strengthening the local economy.

An official grand opening for the new UTEC recycling center will take place in the coming months.