This guide will walk you through the why and the how of mattress recycling and simplify the process so you can make a genuinely eco-friendly choice when disposing of your old bedding.

Why Mattresses Are a Problem

Recycling is a large part of our responsibility towards the environment, and mattress recycling is no exception. By recycling your old mattress, you contribute to a positive environmental impact and reduce your carbon footprint.

Volume

Millions of mattresses are discarded annually. As bulky waste, they take up huge amounts of landfill space, which is already highly inefficient and polluting.

Material Breakdown

Mattresses can take years to decompose. Over time, internal foam and fabrics break down into microplastics and release methane gas, contributing to global warming. Illegal dumping also harms our communities and environment.

The Resources Inside

When you recycle your mattress, you turn trash into treasure. Recycling the materials of this bulky item reduces energy use and pollution by reusing existing materials, rather than creating new ones from scratch.

• Steel Box Springs: Easily recycled into new steel products like tools or car parts.
• Foam/Polyurethane: Recycled into carpet padding, insulation, or pet bed stuffing.
• Fabric/Fibers: Recycled into filters, padding, or insulation materials.
• Natural Down: Down filling from bedding accessories like toppers and duvet inserts is a 100% natural, renewable, and recyclable material that can be repurposed into new items with little to no loss in quality.

How To Recycle a Mattress

Before buying a new mattress, it’s important to plan how you will responsibly dispose of your used one.

Check Local Eligibility

Start with the basics! Check your municipal waste website for local laws regarding mattress disposal. In many areas, mattresses are banned from standard trash collection due to their size and recyclability.

Utilize Retailer Take-Back Programs

Did you buy a new one? Many bedding retailers and delivery services offer removal of the old mattress upon delivery of the new one. This is often the easiest, most convenient option.

Find a Specialty Program

Search for local recycling facilities, centers, or specialty mattress collection services. Identify and utilize state-specific programs like the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) / Bye Bye Mattress. These groups run infrastructure dedicated solely to mattress deconstruction and recycling.

Donation

Donation is only an option if the mattress is clean, stain-free, and in excellent condition, such as no rips or tears and no signs of bed bugs. Check with local charities or shelters that accept suitable mattresses to help someone in need.

State Laws and Program Focus

To ensure this effort continues, some states have implemented mandatory recycling collection laws.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

This concept is seen in states like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, which puts the responsibility on the mattress manufacturers to finance the end-of-life disposal of their products. This provides consistent, accessible recycling for consumers.

The Success Story

Programs like the MRC/Bye Bye Mattress are prime examples of the success of this model, ensuring millions of pounds of steel, foam, and fiber are diverted from landfills annually and reused.

Final Words

Recycling your mattress is a simple yet powerful act that conserves steel, foam, and valuable materials. This commitment to recycling is a core part of Puredown’s philosophy; we create GRS-certified sustainable bedding products, including pillows made with recycled polyester fabric.

Don’t let your old mattress become unnecessary waste. By taking just a few minutes to check local recycling programs, you’re contributing to a healthier planet and freeing up valuable space in our landfills.