Federal Law & Regulations
There are no federal laws dictating mattress recycling or disposal in the United States. Due to their size, mattresses quickly fill up municipal landfills and pose risks of catching in landfill equipment, creating 'fluff' that poses fire hazards. As a result, the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) was formed by the industry to implement state-mandated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. These programs are currently mandated by state laws in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon, requiring a recycling fee at the time of purchase to fund statewide collection.
National Take-Back Programs
The Mattress Recycling Council operates the 'Bye Bye Mattress' program, providing thousands of drop-off locations and collection events in participating states. Nationally, many retailers like Mattress Firm offer haul-away and recycling services for a fee when delivering a new mattress. Charities such as the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity ReStore may accept gently used mattresses free of rips, stains, or bed bugs, though acceptance policies vary heavily by local branch.