One mattress
1 covered piece
1 × $18$18
California · Mattress recycling
About mattress recycling fee
Understand the charge on your receipt, count the pieces in your order, and make a plan for your old mattress.
$18per covered piece
Effective
Effective
A separate receipt lineThe recycling fee is not subject to sales tax.
Funds California’s programSee the official fee notice
Why the fee exists
A small charge supports a bigger system.
The Mattress Recycling Council uses the fee to support collection, transport and recycling through its Bye Bye Mattress program. It also supports work to reduce illegal dumping.
You pay when buying a covered product, even if you are keeping your old mattress. Pickup and drop-off are the next, separate decisions.
How the program worksSimple examples
Count the pieces, not the beds.
A mattress and its foundation count separately. These examples use the current California rate.
Mattress + foundation
2 covered pieces
2 × $18$36
Mattress + split foundation
1 mattress + 2 foundation halves
3 × $18$54
Recycling fee totals only. Product prices and any other charges are separate. Match the number of covered pieces to your itemized order.
What counts as a covered item?
The product’s construction matters.
- Mattresses & futon mattresses
- Covered mattresses count individually, including a futon mattress that separates from its frame.
- Fabric-covered foundations
- Box springs and qualifying foundations count per piece. MRC’s definition includes stationary and adjustable foundations.
- Bedding & ordinary bed frames
- Pillows, sheets, protectors, toppers and bed frames are outside the mattress recycling program.
Buying an adjustable base? Ask us to confirm whether the exact model is a covered foundation. A frame and a fabric-covered foundation are different products.
Read MRC’s product definitionsMake a plan for the old one
Choose your next step.
The purchase fee supports the program. It does not book a pickup appointment or reserve a drop-off time.
Pickup can be refused for health or safety risks. Program drop-off has different rules; contact the facility for handling instructions. See California pickup guidance.
What happens after collection
Useful materials get another life.
Recyclers dismantle mattresses and sort the recoverable materials for use in other products.
Steel
Springs and other metal components.
Foam
Cushioning and comfort layers.
Fabric
Covers and other textile layers.
Wood
Components found in many foundations.
The mix and amount recovered depend on the mattress. Learn about the recycling process.
Tools to help you choose
All shopping tools Tools to narrow down your mattress choice
Good to know
Your recycling questions, answered.
Fee collection, delivery removal and drop-off each have their own role.
Ask about your orderWhat is the California mattress recycling fee?
It funds the statewide mattress recycling program operated by the nonprofit Mattress Recycling Council. Retailers collect it when covered products are sold in or into California. Explore the California program.
How much is the recycling fee per piece?
The current fee is $18 per covered unit, effective April 1, 2026. It appears separately on the receipt and is not subject to sales tax. Read the official fee notice.
Why do I pay if I am keeping my old mattress?
The charge applies to the purchase of a covered product, whether you keep, give away or recycle your old mattress. It supports the shared recycling program. Read the program’s fee FAQs.
Does LA Mattress Store take my old mattress?
Old-mattress haul-away is included with our white-glove delivery. Tell the team what needs removing and disclose any condition or access concerns before delivery. Plan your delivery and pickup.
What if I recycle the old mattress myself?
You can use a participating California drop-off location. This does not remove the purchase fee. Check the location’s hours, unit limits and handling instructions before traveling. Find a recycling location.
Can I recycle a mattress if I never paid a fee on it?
Yes. For qualifying mattresses and foundations used and discarded by California consumers, the date of purchase does not affect no-cost drop-off eligibility. Check accepted items.
What if my mattress is wet, moldy or has bedbugs?
A retailer may decline pickup if an item poses a health or safety risk. California program drop-off accepts qualifying units regardless of condition; contact the facility first for safe handling instructions. Review pickup and drop-off guidance.
What happens to the recycled mattress?
Recyclers dismantle mattresses and separate materials such as steel, foam, fabric and wood for use in other products. Recovery depends on the item and materials. Learn about mattress materials.