Retailer Take-Back FAQ
California
Will the Mattress Recycling Council Bye Bye Mattress program pick up my old mattress from my home?
No.
The Mattress Recycling Council does not pick up mattresses from your home. The retailer, or a designated third party, will pick up your old mattress. The retailer or third party may work with MRC’s program to recycle the old mattresses they collect from customers. During your purchase, ask your retailer how take back of an old mattress works and what to expect.
I bought a mattress online and it is being shipped to me. Will my old one still be picked up?
Yes.
However, UPS, FedEx, the postal service or whoever is delivering your new mattress on behalf of your online retailer will not pick up your old mattress at the same time. The California law gives the retailer 30 days to arrange for the pickup of your old mattress. Ask your retailer about their take back process as each has created their own procedures for meeting this requirement.
Are there reasons why my retailer won’t take back my old mattress?
Yes.
Per the California law, the retailer may refuse to pick up any mattress that is contaminated and poses a risk to personnel, new products, or equipment.
If the retailer refused to pick up your old mattress, contact your public works department or waste hauler to find out how to safely and properly dispose of a contaminated mattress.
My retailer won’t take back my old mattress because its “unacceptable.” Can Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program or the store refund my recycling fee?
No.
The California mattress recycling fee is not refunded when a retailer refuses to pick up an old mattress. The law requires retailers to collect the recycling fee on any mattress and box spring sold to fund the state’s mattress recycling program.
The law also allows retailers to refuse old mattresses that are contaminated and pose a risk to personnel, new products, or equipment. Contact your public works department or waste provider to find out how to safely and properly dispose of a contaminated mattress.
The retailer I’ve purchased from (planning to purchase from) does not seem to be complying with this law. What can I do?
Email us at info@byebyemattress.com or call 1-855-229-1691. Be prepared with your receipt and details regarding your experience.
Does the retailer have to recycle the old mattresses that they pick up?
Retailers may choose to use MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program, but the law does not make recycling mandatory.
If I don’t plan to recycle an old mattress, do I have to pay this fee?
Yes. The fee applies to all mattresses and box springs sold in the states of California, Connecticut and Rhode Island to fund these mattress recycling programs.
Even if you aren’t recycling your mattress right now, a mattress doesn’t last forever, and will eventually be discarded. This program uses a network of participating solid waste facilities, retailers, recyclers and other organizations to collect, transport and properly recycle old mattresses.
Not finding the answer to your question? Contact us.
info@byeybemattress.com or call 1-855-229-1691 (M-F from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern)