Who We Are
The Industry’s Trusted Mattress Recycling Resource
The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is a nonprofit organization formed by the mattress industry to operate recycling programs in those states that have enacted mattress recycling laws.
Mission
Mattress Recycling Council contributes to a sustainable future by developing and implementing innovative mattress recycling solutions.
Vision
Mattress Recycling Council envisions a future in which mattress recycling is universal and economically viable.
The program is currently running in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island and is known as Bye Bye Mattress to consumers. Each state’s program is funded by a recycling fee collected when consumers buy a mattress or box spring.
We are committed to educating the mattress industry about state’s mattress recycling laws and assisting retailers and manufacturers in complying with those laws. Through our work with local governments, waste management professionals, recyclers and others we have successfully developed accessible and efficient collection and recycling networks in our program states.
How The Program Works
In each state where mattress recycling laws have been enacted:
- We collect a recycling fee that is charged to consumers at the time of purchase that funds the cost of operating and administering that state’s program. This fee applies to both individual consumers and institutional large volume purchasers (such as hotels, dormitories, etc.).
- We provide for no-cost and accessible statewide opportunities for residents to discard their used mattresses.
- We provide for no-cost collection of discarded mattresses from solid waste facilities.
- We provide solid waste facilities with suitable storage containers and transportation of discarded mattresses.
- We provide for MRC-financed transportation and recycling of mattresses and box springs.
- We publicize the program to consumers and provide resources to affected businesses.
Timeline
Since 2015, MRC has grown and established a successful mattress recycling operation, creating a sustainable funding mechanism and efficient process for collection in the states where we operate.
California, Connecticut and Rhode Island each passed a state law creating an industry-led statewide recycling program.
MRC launched Bye Bye Mattress in Connecticut. First ad campaign and PSA airs.
Stop Illegal Dumping PSA campaign. 1 million mattress milestone achieved.
Sleep Products Sustainability Program launched. Collection site improvement funding begins. Research initiatives introduced.
6th anniversary. First SP2 certification awarded.
Launch of the Mattress Care campaign. 12 million mattresses recycled.
The bedding industry created the Mattress Recycling Council.
MRC began recycling in California and Rhode Island. Illegally Dumped Mattress Collection Initiative begins.
Sandman is created.
MRC brings colleagues together for Global Recycling Summit.
5th anniversary. 6 million mattresses recycled. 1 million visitors to ByeByeMattress.com.
10 million mattresses recycled. Launch of the Life Cycle Analysis.
California, Connecticut and Rhode Island each passed a state law creating an industry-led statewide recycling program.
The bedding industry created the Mattress Recycling Council.
MRC launched Bye Bye Mattress in Connecticut. First ad campaign and PSA airs.
MRC began recycling in California and Rhode Island. Illegally Dumped Mattress Collection Initiative begins.
Sandman is created.
Stop Illegal Dumping PSA campaign. 1 million mattress milestone achieved.
MRC brings colleagues together for Global Recycling Summit.
Sleep Products Sustainability Program launched. Collection site improvement funding begins. Research initiatives introduced.
5th anniversary. 6 million mattresses recycled. 1 million visitors to ByeByeMattress.com.
6th anniversary. First SP2 certification awarded.
10 million mattresses recycled. Launch of the Life Cycle Analysis.
Launch of the Mattress Care campaign. 12 million mattresses recycled.
How Mattresses Are Collected for Recycling
We collect mattresses through a variety of channels, offering consumers and businesses options for recycling:
Solid Waste Collection System
We coordinate with existing solid waste collection infrastructure in each state, establishing collection sites at landfills, transfer stations or public works yards or by working with curbside collectors such as municipalities or waste contractors.
Collection Events
We host collection events where residents can drop off mattresses at no cost. Labor, transportation, recycling and publicity is provided.
Commercial Volume Pickup
Businesses and other entities with large quantities of used mattresses can either drop off or have these units picked-up by an MRC-contracted transporter.