Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to pay a fee and what does it pay for?
States with mattress recycling laws (California, Connecticut and Rhode Island) require that a recycling fee is assessed on each mattress and box spring sold to fund recycling programs that are administered by the nonprofit Mattress Recycling Council.
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.
If I decide to recycle the mattress myself, do I still pay the fee?
Yes. The recycling fee applies to all mattresses and box springs sold in the states of California, Connecticut and Rhode Island to fund these mattress recycling programs.
I didn’t pay this fee on my old mattress; will it be accepted for recycling?
Yes, if you are a resident of a program state.
All mattresses, regardless of age, that are in acceptable condition are eligible for no-cost recycling.
A retailer didn’t take back my old mattress because it deemed it unacceptable. Can MRC or the store refund my recycling fee?
No.
The mattress recycling fee is not refunded when a retailer refuses to pick up an old mattress. The law allows retailers to refuse old mattresses that are infected, contaminated or an extreme safety risk. Contact your local officials to find out how to safely and properly dispose of your old mattress. Remember, there are criminal penalties for improper mattress disposal!
What happens to my old mattress or box spring?
Your old mattresses and box springs are dismantled, and the steel, foam, fabric and wood are separated and used to make new products. Our Why Recycle page provides additional information about the recycling process.
What types of mattresses and box springs are ACCEPTED for recycling?
Mattresses and box springs used and discarded by California, Connecticut and Rhode Island consumers (individuals and businesses) qualify for no-cost drop-off and recycling through the Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program operating in their state.
A mattress can be constructed of all foam layers, or a mixture of foam, springs and other materials. A couple of exceptions apply:
- Only in California is a futon mattress that separates from the futon’s frame or base considered a mattress (Connecticut and Rhode Island do not accept futons)
- Only in Connecticut is a crib mattress considered a mattress (California and Rhode Island do not accept crib mattresses).
A box spring (also known as a foundation) is a platform or base that supports the mattress and is covered by fabric and remains stationary or is adjustable.
If your mattress or box spring is severely damaged, heavily soiled, moldy, excessively wet or frozen, or infested with bedbugs or other organisms please contact your desired drop-off location for instructions. No-cost drop-off of units in these conditions varies by location. Fees may apply.
What types of items are UNACCEPTABLE?
The Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program is only available to consumers (individuals and businesses) based in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
If your mattress is severely damaged, heavily soiled, moldy, excessively wet or frozen, or infested with bedbugs or other organisms, please contact your desired drop-off location for instructions. No-cost drop-off of units in these conditions varies by location. Fees may apply.
Other related sleep products are not recycled under MRC’s programs in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island. These items vary by state.
CALIFORNIA
Air mattresses that contain no upholstery material (such as camping beds)
Bed frames
Car beds
Collapsible roll-away beds
Cushions (such as from chairs, couches or patio furniture)
Futon frames or bases
Juvenile products including, crib and bassinet mattresses, carriages, baskets, dressing tables, strollers, playpens, infant carriers, lounge pad, crib bumpers
Loose bedding (such as blankets, comforters, quilts, sheets)
Mattress pads
Mattress toppers
Pillows
Sleeping bags
Sofa beds
Water beds that contain no upholstery material
CONNECTICUT
Air mattresses that contain no upholstery material (such as camping beds)
Bed frames
Car beds
Cushions (such as from chairs, couches or patio furniture)
Collapsible roll-away beds
Futons
Juvenile products including, carriages, baskets, dressing tables, strollers, playpens, infant carriers, lounge pad, crib bumpers
Loose bedding (such as blankets, comforters, quilts, sheets)
Mattress pads
Mattress toppers
Pillows
Sleeping bags
Sofa beds
Water beds that contain no upholstery material
RHODE ISLAND
Air mattresses that contain no upholstery material (such as camping beds)
Bed frames
Car beds
Cushions (such as from chairs, couches or patio furniture)
Collapsible roll-away beds
Futons
Juvenile products including, crib and bassinet mattresses, carriages, baskets, dressing tables, strollers, playpens, infant carriers, lounge pad, crib bumpers
Loose bedding (such as blankets, comforters, quilts, sheets)
Mattress pads
Mattress toppers
Pillows
Sleeping bags
Sofa beds
Water beds that contain no upholstery material