Statewide Program Kicked Off in California December 31
The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), a non-profit organization created by the mattress industry to develop and manage the recycling program mandated by law in 2013, administers Bye Bye Mattress.
“This program is a cost-effective solution to a long-term problem,” said Ryan Trainer, president of MRC. “We developed California’s program to increase the recycling of used mattress materials by leveraging the existing waste collection infrastructure.”
“The implementation of this mattress recycling program means discarded mattresses will be recycled in an environmentally sound manner, creating California jobs and resulting in cost savings for municipalities,” said Scott Smithline, director of CalRecycle. “This program mirrors similar programs being implemented in other states. We recognize the Mattress Recycling Council for their commitment to the success of this program and their leadership in getting this law passed.”
The program is funded through an $11 recycling fee that is collected when a mattress or box spring is sold to California consumers. Consumers will notice this fee as a separate line item on their receipt. The fee is used to pay for transporting and recycling the discarded mattresses.
Recycling Facts
More than 80% of a used mattress’ components can be recycled —the metal springs, foam, wood and fibers — and made into new useful products. For example:
- The steel springs are recycled as metal scrap and can be melted and used to make new appliances, building materials and other steel products.
- The foam can be turned into carpet underlayment or animal bed padding.
- The wooden frames can be shredded to produce landscaping mulch.
- The cotton and other fiber can be used in industrial oil filters and other textile applications.
Once retailers begin collecting the fee on mattress and box spring sales, residents can drop-off their old mattress at no-cost at a participating collection site or recycling facility.