Mattresses

Mattresses have long been an issue in solid waste management; lack of recycling options and insufficient education on proper collection has led to many mattresses being illegally dumped or landfilled, where they take up significant space, up to one cubic yard each. In Washington alone, more than 48,000 tons – or 1 million mattresses – are disposed each year. It is estimated that Americans landfill over 50,000 mattresses each day, with less than 5% being recycled, even though they contain many readily recyclable materials such as metal, wood, fabric, and more. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) can serve as a solution to reduce the illegal dumping of mattresses and ensure that mattresses are properly managed at the end of life, leading to increased recycling, refurbishment, and reuse of used mattresses.  

Programs

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Oregon Mattress Stewardship

In 2022, Oregon passed SB 1576, to enact a mattress stewardship program requiring mattress manufacturers to operate a statewide mattress recycling program. The law aims to ensure mattresses are properly disposed of at their end of life, increasing recycling and reducing illegal dumping. The program is funded through a recycling fee (called a stewardship assessment) collected at the point of sale when purchasing a mattress. The program is run by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) and overseen by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  

Oregon’s Mattress Stewardship Program started on January 1, 2025. Oregonians can now drop off unwanted mattresses, regardless of its condition or age, at any dedicated collection site throughout the state free of charge.   

• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) – Mattress Recycling  
• Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) – Oregon Landing Page  

Resources

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Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) – Mattresses 

Bye Bye Mattress – Find a mattress recycler