Used Mattress Recycling and Material Recovery in California

Mattress Waste is Nothing to Sleep On!

Californians dispose of millions of mattresses every year, posing significant environmental challenges. Improper disposal can lead to increased landfill waste and missed opportunities for recycling valuable materials. Thanks to legislative efforts and the dedication of organizations like CAW, California has implemented a robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program to manage used mattresses sustainably.

Illegally dumped mattresses can be a costly and unnecessary burden on local governments, and without an easy take-back program consumers are left without many options. Local governments spend up to $70 million each year dealing with illegally dumped mattresses—consumers trying to do the right thing by recycling their mattresses are saddled with fees from $20-90. As a result, only a small percentage of mattresses are recycled each year, despite the fact that mattresses are readily recyclable. Mattresses do not compact well, take up space in landfills, and some components have value, including steel springs and polyurethane foam. California's Mattress Recycling Program requires mattress manufacturers to take responsibility for the collection and recycling of used mattresses. 

Legislative Milestone: Mattress Stewardship

CAW sponsored SB 254, the Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act, established the industry-run market based mattress collection and recycling program and was signed into law in 2014 with the support of manufacturers, recyclers, business leaders, and environmental groups. It provided convenient options for consumers to recycle their old mattresses at participating collection sites or recycling facilities. Retailers are also required to offer a consumer the option to have their old mattress picked up when delivering a new mattress, at no additional cost. 

There is still a net cost to collect and recycle mattresses. However, 80-90% of mattress parts are recyclable if separated, generating new employment opportunities. By using a one time recycling fee collected at the point of sale, the recycling program is able to use funds in a more cost-efficient way that ensures mattresses get recycled and consumers are provided with options when it comes time to dispose of old mattresses. 

Bye Bye Mattress is the mattress recycling program in California and is operated by the nonprofit, Mattress Recycling Council. The program uses a recycling fee collected on each mattress and box spring at the time of sale to make subsidize accessible, convenient recycling opportunities. Whether your mattress was collected off the side of the road, returned to a retail location, or recycled at a facility, Bye Bye Mattress ensures that those operations run smoothly and that those mattresses are recycled.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Recycling a mattress diverts valuable materials from landfills and transforms them into new products. Here's how the process works:

    1. Deconstruction: Mattresses are dismantled to separate components like foam, metal springs, fabric, and wood.

    2. Material Recovery:

      • Foam is used to create carpet padding or insulation.

      • Steel Springs are recycled into new metal products.

      • Fabric and fibers are repurposed for industrial uses.

      • Wood is processed into mulch or biofuel.

    Over 80% of a typical mattress's components can be recycled, making mattress recycling an essential step in reducing waste and conserving resources.

  • California residents have several convenient options for disposing of unwanted mattresses responsibly. The Bye Bye Mattress program provides free or low-cost recycling opportunities throughout the state.

    1. Drop-Off Locations

    Consumers can bring their used mattresses and box springs to designated recycling centers at no cost. These centers are located across California, ensuring accessibility for urban and rural residents alike.

    2. Retailer Take-Back Programs

    California law requires mattress retailers to offer free take-back services when delivering a new mattress. If you purchase a new mattress and have it delivered, ask the retailer to pick up your old one.

    3. Local Collection Events

    The Mattress Recycling Council and local governments often host collection events where residents can drop off mattresses for recycling. Check with your city or county waste management agency for upcoming events.

    4. Bulk Item Pickup Services

    Some municipalities include mattress recycling as part of their curbside bulky item pickup programs. Contact your local waste hauler to see if this service is available in your area.

  • Report to your local waste management authority! They will already have an established recovery process through Bye Bye Mattress, meaning that one quick call should resolve the issue extremely promptly.

    Refer to this factsheet for more information.

Relevant Statute/Code Section(s)

The Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act (Public Resources Code sections 42985 to 42994)

Chapter 388, Statutes of 2013 [Hancock, SB 254] set forth the requirements of the statewide Mattress Stewardship Program.

Chapter 371, Statutes of 2014 [Hancock, SB 1274] clarified definitions, report submittals and record keeping requirements.

Chapter 673, Statutes of 2019 [Garcia, AB 187] amended definitions, plan, budget and annual reporting components, and added additional baseline and goal requirements.

CalRecycle also issued the Code of Regulations for the Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Program.

California Code of Regulations. Title 14: Natural Resources. Division 7: Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. Chapter 11: Product Stewardship. Article 3: Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Program.