Mattress recycling program operational in Oregon

The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), Alexandria, Virginia, has launched its mattress recycling program in Oregon, an initiative which was called for in Oregon’s Mattress Stewardship Act. The Bye Bye Mattress program kicked off Jan. 1 and allows consumers to drop off any mattress or foundation for recycling, regardless of purchase date or condition, at participating locations.

The program also assists retailers and large quantity generators of old mattresses, like hotels and universities, with recycling these products.

Oregon is MRC’s first expansion state since the launch of its initial programs in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, which have collectively recycled more than 15 million mattresses over the past decade, MRC says.

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Each state program is fully funded by a point-of-sale fee on all mattresses and foundations. In Oregon, the fee is $22.50 per unit. Retailers must disclose this fee on receipts as a stewardship assessment and inform customers about available collection opportunities for unwanted mattresses. Additionally, manufacturers, importers, distributors and renovators of mattresses and foundations sold for use in Oregon must be registered with MRC or retailers cannot sell their products.

“Our expansion into Oregon reflects the bedding industry’s commitment to recycling,” MRC Chief Operating Officer Mike O’Donnell says. “We’re grateful for the support of Oregon’s solid waste community, mattress retailers and manufacturers as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”