Mattress Recycling Fee FAQ
Over 50,000 mattresses wind up in U.S. landfills every day. Learn more about the benefits of recycling your mattress and about the program that the mattress recycling fee supports.
Why do I have to pay a fee when I buy a Mattress or Foundation in California, Connecticut or Rhode Island and what does it pay for?
As of December 30th, 2015 for California, May 1st 2015 for Connecticut and May 1st 2016 for Rhode Island, state law requires retailers to collect a recycling fee on each mattress and box spring that is sold. The state approved the amount of the fee, which is not set or controlled by individual retailers. The fee funds the state’s recycling program, which is administered by the Mattress Recycling Council. Visit byebyemattress.com to learn more or contact the Mattress Recycling Council via the information provided with your receipt.
Who is the Mattress Recycling Council?
The Mattress Recycling Council is a nonprofit organization that operates mattress recycling programs in states that have passed mattress recycling laws. The mattress recycling program is similar to the recycling programs that a number of states have for other products like paint, tires, carpet and batteries. Visit byebyemattress.com to learn more or contact the Mattress Recycling Council via the information provided with your receipt.
What are the benefits of mattress recycling?
More than 90 percent of a mattress can be recycled and made into a new product. Recycling provides a number of important benefits:
· Conserves resources by making used steel, foam and other materials available for use in new products
· Reduces reliance on incinerators and landfills by diverting mattresses from the waste stream
· Reduces the number of illegally dumped mattresses
· Creates recycling jobs
Visit byebyemattress.com to learn more about mattress recycling.
If I don’t plan to discard a mattress now, why do I have to pay this fee?
The state law requires retailers to collect this fee on any mattress and boxspring sale to fund the state’s mattress recycling program. Even if you aren’t discarding a mattress right now, a mattress doesn’t last forever, and will eventually be discarded. The program creates a network of participating cities, towns, retailers, recyclers and other organizations that you may rely on when that time comes to properly recycle your old mattress.
I didn’t pay this fee on my old mattress, so will it still be accepted for recycling?
Yes, mattresses that we take back from our customers are recycled through the state’s mattress recycling program regardless of when they were purchased. Visit byebyemattress.com for more information.
I had an old mattress for you to remove, but I was told it was unacceptable for return. Can I get a refund for my recycling fee?
No, state law requires retailers to collect this fee on any mattress and boxspring sale to fund the state’s mattress recycling program. The law does not force retailers to accept every mattress for recycling out of concern for employee health and safety. Our store’s policy in addition to the recycling program’s guidelines determines what we will and won’t accept. If your mattress is unacceptable for recycling, contact your city or town to learn what disposal options are available.
If I decide to take my old mattress to a recycler myself, do I still pay the fee?
Yes, state law requires retailers to collect this fee on any mattress and boxspring sale to fund the state’s mattress recycling program. You may receive a modest financial incentive if you drop off your used mattress or boxspring at a designated recycling location. Visit byebyemattress.com to find the location nearest you.