Oregon Mattress Recycling Program Diverted Millions
The statewide initiative collected over 134,000 mattresses during its first year of operation in 2025.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Organic Food
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Oregon successfully diverted 5.9 million pounds of material from landfills through a statewide recycling program that concluded its first full year in 2025. The initiative, which launched on January 1, 2025, processed mattresses and box springs collected from both individuals and businesses.
Why it matters
The program aims to combat illegal dumping and minimize waste in landfills while supporting jobs within the recycling sector. It operates through an extended producer responsibility model funded by consumer fees.
The program recovered 5.9 million pounds of material for recycling or biomass fuel, supported by a $22.50 assessment fee paid at the time of purchase. Over 90,000 units were delivered by individuals, while 40,000 came from businesses.
The players
Mattress Recycling Council
This organization operates the Bye Bye Mattress initiative and coordinates the recovery of materials across the state.
The details
Administered by the Mattress Recycling Council under the Bye Bye Mattress initiative, the program breaks down components such as steel, foam, wood, and fibers. Additionally, more than 2,000 mattresses were redirected for reuse or renovation rather than being processed as scrap material.
Timeline
Oregon lawmakers approved Senate Bill 1576 in 2022.
The statewide mattress recycling program officially began on January 1, 2025.
The program completed its first full year of operation in 2025.
Culture Shift
The success of this initiative reflects a broader movement toward extended producer responsibility where manufacturers assume financial and operational oversight for post-consumer waste. This program aligns with growing societal pressure to improve material recovery and reduce the environmental footprint of household goods.
Residents must pay a $22.50 fee for new mattress purchases, which covers the cost of the statewide recycling infrastructure. This fee ensures that individuals can access collection sites and events for responsible mattress disposal at no additional cost upon delivery.
The takeaway
Responsible mattress disposal is now a standardized state-managed process that prioritizes material recovery over landfilling. Consumers can support this system by utilizing designated collection sites when replacing their old mattresses.
Further reading
Learn more about local environmental initiatives in the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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