California
Strengthening California’s Environment One Mattress at a Time
The Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program is an example of California’s environmental leadership and commitment to sustainability.
11million mattresses collected since 2016
431 million pounds of material recycled
More than 230permanent drop-off locations
Offering Convenient and No-Cost Recycling
MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress is accessible, offering California residents no-cost opportunities to discard their used mattresses. Statewide, 99 percent of all residents live within 15 miles of a Bye Bye Mattress collection site or event. There are more than 230 permanent drop-off locations and 100 collection events held annually. Many residents also have access to the program through retailer take back and municipal curbside pickup services. In addition, mattress retailers, hotels, universities, military bases and healthcare facilities participate through the Commercial Volume Program.
On the Ground in California
Raising Awareness and Educating Consumers
MRC works to address illegal dumping
MRC invests $1 million annually to fund the Illegally Dumped Mattress Collection Initiative and support pilot projects aimed at preventing and mitigating this issue.
The Initiative collects data and uses the statistics to target affected communities. As a result, nearly 450,000 improperly disposed of mattresses have been removed from alleys, sidewalks and other public spaces.
MRC has offered pilot project funding since 2021 to help communities establish or improve education about existing mattress collection channels; establish or improve awareness or enforcement about illegal dumping laws; conduct beautification of illegal dumping sites; or design and test a mattress drop-off program. Case studies showcase the results of previously awarded projects.
MRC raises awareness of the value of mattress recycling
MRC has implemented extensive outreach to educate consumers about mattress recycling through its Bye Bye Mattress brand and consumer-facing website, ByeByeMattress.com. More than 2.5 million visitors have visited the website, which offers residents an easy locator tool to find their nearest mattress recycling location or event. MRC also provides extensive consumer education including point of sale materials, public service announcements, social media campaigns, digital communications, community outreach at events and paid advertising including radio, television and billboards.
MRC invests $1 million a year in research and sustainability efforts
By increasing the recyclability of used mattresses, developing new end markets for recycled mattress components and identifying industry best practices, we are working to reduce waste and improve recycling.
Visit our research page to check out reports from completed projects and learn how to apply for funding.