California Mattress Recycling Fee
Learn why a recycling fee is applied to mattress purchases in California and how it supports responsible statewide mattress recycling programs.
This fee is required by California state law, it is not a store charge set by LA Mattress.
What Is the Mattress Recycling Fee?
California law requires all mattress retailers to collect a recycling fee at the time of purchase. This fee, established under the California Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act, funds a statewide program that collects, transports, and recycles used mattresses across California.
The program is operated by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), a nonprofit organization established specifically to run California's Bye Bye Mattress program. Every retailer selling mattresses in California is required to collect this fee, it is not optional, and it is not profit for the retailer.
The fee you pay at checkout goes directly toward maintaining California's mattress recycling infrastructure, keeping used mattresses out of landfills and off the streets.
Why the Recycling Fee Exists
Mattresses are notoriously difficult to dispose of responsibly. This fee funds the infrastructure that handles them correctly.
Reduces Landfill Waste
Mattresses take up enormous space in landfills and can take up to 80–120 years to decompose. The recycling program diverts them from landfill disposal entirely.
Funds Recycling Programs
The fee directly finances collection sites, transport logistics, and processing facilities across California, keeping the program running without tax dollars.
Prevents Illegal Dumping
Without accessible disposal options, many mattresses end up illegally dumped on streets and in public spaces. The program provides free alternatives.
Recovers Valuable Materials
Steel springs, foam, fabric, and wood from mattresses can all be recovered and repurposed, reducing demand for virgin materials in manufacturing.
How Much Is the Recycling Fee?
The fee is set by the Mattress Recycling Council and applies per unit at the time of purchase.
Effective April 1, 2026, the California Mattress Recycling Council fee increases to $18 per unit. This adjustment reflects the growing cost of operating statewide collection and recycling infrastructure.
- Required for all California mattress retailers
- Applies per unit, mattress or foundation
- Set by the Mattress Recycling Council
- Not a store markup or profit
- Fee may be updated periodically by the MRC
Fee Applies To
The recycling fee is collected on:
- Mattresses (all types and sizes)
- Box springs
- Foundations
- Futon mattresses
Fee Does NOT Apply To
The following items are exempt:
- Pillows
- Bed frames and headboards
- Mattress protectors or toppers
- Adjustable bases
- Furniture
How the Program Works
From purchase to recycling, the lifecycle of every fee collected.
You Purchase a Mattress
A recycling fee is collected at checkout for each mattress or foundation. The fee is itemized on your receipt.
Fee Funds the Program
The collected fees are remitted directly to the Mattress Recycling Council to operate the statewide Bye Bye Mattress program.
Old Mattresses Are Collected
Used mattresses are picked up through authorized collection events, drop-off sites, and retailer take-back programs across California.
Materials Are Recycled
At processing facilities, mattresses are broken down and materials, steel, foam, fiber, wood, are recovered and sent to manufacturers for reuse.
Mattress Take-Back at Delivery
California law requires retailers delivering a new mattress to offer to take back a used mattress at no additional charge. This is known as the 1-for-1 take-back program.
When LA Mattress delivers your new mattress, our delivery team will offer to remove your old mattress at no extra cost. Your old mattress will then be transported to an authorized recycling facility, not a landfill.
Learn About Our Delivery ServiceWhere Do Recycled Mattresses Go?
Every component of a recycled mattress can be recovered and given a new life.
Steel Springs
Recycled into new steel products, from rebar to appliance parts.
Foam & Padding
Repurposed into carpet padding, athletic mats, and insulation materials.
Fabric & Fiber
Recovered and used in industrial applications including sound dampening and mulch.
Wood Components
Chipped into mulch or processed into wood fuel and composite materials.
Recycling Fee FAQ
Common questions about the California mattress recycling fee.
Have Questions About Delivery or Recycling?
Our team can answer any questions about mattress delivery, take-back service, or the California recycling fee. We are here to help.