Stop Illegal
Dumping

Help #StopIllegalDumping!

Dumping a mattress on the street, in an alley or even a dumpster is not only an eyesore, but illegal too.

When someone dumps their old mattress on any property that is not in a permitted waste removal facility, your community sees the effects.

Illegal dumping disrupts natural land and water, harms plants and wildlife, causes health and safety hazards, attracts disease carrying pests like rodents and insects, pollutes water sources, decreases property values, and costs taxpayers millions in clean-up costs.

If convicted of this crime, you can receive fines up to $10,000, have your vehicle seized, and even be incarcerated.

… but what can I do to Stop Illegal Dumping?

Choose junk haulers wisely
When you work with a junk hauler to remove unwanted items, ask for a receipt and make sure they are disposing of your items legally.
Report Illegal Dumping
If you witness illegal dumping in progress, write down the license plate and vehicle information and immediately call your local authorities to file a report. In some cases, there may even be a reward!
Volunteer in Local Clean-Ups
Reach out to local environmental or civic groups that host community clean-up events. And, check out the Bye Bye Mattress Facebook page for mattress collection events in your area!

… how do you get rid of an old mattress?

Ask Your retailer
If you’re about to purchase a mattress and have it delivered, ask your retailer about taking back your old one. In California, it’s required by law that retailers offer to take your old one back for free. The Program works with many retailers to recycle old mattresses they collect from their customers.
Ask your residential waste collector about curbside pick-up
Every community is different, but many may have no-cost bulky item curbside pick-up as part of their residential solid waste service. Contact your solid waste provider for details.
Don’t dump it - Recycle it instead
There are mattress recycling facilities across the country. In California, Connecticut and Rhode Island the Bye Bye Mattress Program gives residents free drop-off at recycling facilities, collection sites and events. Businesses can use the recycling facilities too. Find your nearest location here and check the details for whether or not residential or commercial volume is accepted free.

Remember, recycling your old mattress is always the best option! Recycling allows it to become a lot of great, new things like: appliances, industrial filters, carpet padding and even mulch for your garden!

What’s even better than that? If you are a resident of California, Connecticut or Rhode Island, you can recycle your old mattress for FREE.

Check out FREE mattress collection options in your community.