#United States #Sacramento #Mattress Recycling Council #Bye Bye Mattress #America Recycles Day

Mattress Recycling Initiative for America Recycles Day

As part of the celebration of America Recycles Day on November 15, the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is reaching out to Californians to utilize its effective recycling initiative known as the Bye Bye Mattress program. This program is a great opportunity for residents to responsibly dispose of their old mattresses and box springs rather than allowing them to contribute to landfills.

Overview of Bye Bye Mattress Program

The Bye Bye Mattress initiative was established as a response to the California legislation that mandates mattress retailers to pick up old mattresses when delivering new ones. This entails a no-cost service that further promotes recycling as a convenient option for consumers. MRC encourages everyone making a mattress purchase to inquire about this take-back offer during the transaction.

In addition to the retailer take-back option, Californians can locate over 240 designated drop-off locations throughout the state. These spots provide a straightforward way to get rid of unwanted bedding without any fees. To find the nearest drop-off site, residents can visit the official Bye Bye Mattress website.

MRC also maintains a list of cities offering curbside mattress collection. This enables consumers to see which local authorities facilitate free curbside pick-up for bulky items, including mattresses, thereby making recycling even more accessible.

The Importance of Recycling Mattresses

Mike O'Donnell, the Chief Operating Officer of MRC emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "This America Recycles Day, we encourage every Californian to recycle any unwanted mattresses they may have." He pointed out that since the program's inception in 2015, it has achieved remarkable success by recycling over 13 million mattresses statewide.

Notably, around 75% of a mattress can be reprocessed into new materials, contributing to products like carpet padding, mulch, and various consumer goods. Recycling these components not only saves raw materials but also conserves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes sustainability in the manufacturing process.

Funding and Support for the Program

The Bye Bye Mattress program operates funded by a state-imposed $16 recycling fee applied to every mattress and box spring sold in California. This fee helps support all facets of the program, from maintaining the drop-off locations and collection events to facilitating transportations to recycling centers. It also ensures that services are available for hotels, universities, and military installations to manage their used mattresses responsibly.

Furthermore, part of the fee goes towards initiatives aimed at preventing illegal dumping and enhancing the overall recyclability of mattress components.

A Broader Impact

The Mattress Recycling Council, a non-profit formed by the International Sleep Product Association, runs similar recycling programs in several states where mattress recycling laws are in place. This includes California, Oregon, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, collectively recycling nearly 2 million mattresses annually and having reported over 15 million mattresses recycled in the last decade.

For more information about how to participate in this essential recycling initiative or to find collections in your area, visit www.MattressRecyclingCouncil.org and www.ByeByeMattress.com. By contributing to this effort, you can help keep California green and promote a cleaner environment for generations to come.