The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has approved the Mattress Recycling Council’s proposed budget and recycling fee to fund the state’s mattress recycling program, known as Bye Bye Mattress.
As a result of the approval, mattress retailers and other sellers must collect an $11 recycling fee on each mattress and box spring sold to California end-users. The fee will go into effect Dec. 30, and applies to all sales of new, used and renovated mattresses and box springs. A mattress and a box spring are each considered a separate unit, and the fee must be collected on each unit.
The money will be used to fund mattress collection, transportation and recycling services throughout California. The program will also create a network of collection sites for California residents, hotels, universities, hospitals and military bases and will support a fund to help communities battle illegal dumping.