Several states are implementing fees on mattress purchases to fund recycling programs and reduce landfill waste
When you buy a mattress or box spring, you’ll see a fee added to your bill. It ranges from $16 to $23, depending on the state. This money goes toward recycling programs that keep old mattresses out of landfills.
Did you know Americans toss out about 15 to 20 million mattresses each year? That’s around 50,000 a day! But here’s the good news: over 75% of a mattress can actually be recycled.
Oregon just started charging a $22.50 fee for new mattress purchases. California and Connecticut are raising their fees to $16 starting in 2025. Rhode Island’s fee is now $20.50.
The Mattress Recycling Council is also working with states like Massachusetts and New York to set up similar programs.
Right now, recycling options for old mattresses are pretty limited. There are only about 58 companies across the country that recycle them. In states without recycling laws, you might have to pay to drop off or pick up your old mattress.
Oregon is hoping to make recycling easier and cut down on illegal dumping. They plan to set up drop-off locations in every county and create jobs in the recycling sector.
This is all part of a bigger trend called “extended producer responsibility,” where companies take charge of their products even after they’re sold. Retailers collect the fees and send them to the Mattress Recycling Council to keep these programs running.
In Oregon, for instance, a big chunk of the fee will cover operational costs, while the rest will help with startup expenses and public awareness. There are over 300 collection sites in states with recycling programs, and they accept old mattresses for free. Just keep in mind, they might charge for home pickup.
