Mattress Recycling Efforts

The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is promoting increased participation in California’s 'Bye Bye Mattress' program in support of America Recycles Day on November 15. The initiative provides residents with free, convenient options for recycling unwanted mattresses and box springs, helping reduce landfill waste and conserve valuable materials.

Recycling mattresses diverts steel, foam, wood, and fibers from disposal, allowing these components to be processed and reused in new products. This reduces the demand for raw materials, lowers energy consumption associated with manufacturing, and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.

California’s retailer take-back requirement ensures that consumers who receive a new mattress delivery can have their old one collected at no additional cost, removing barriers to responsible disposal. More than 240 free drop-off locations statewide, along with curbside collection services offered by participating municipalities, further expand access. Together, these efforts support a more sustainable waste-management system and promote long-term environmental stewardship.

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