California’s Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act required mattress manufacturers to create a statewide recycling program for mattresses and box springs discarded in the state. CalRecycle certified Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) to develop and administer the program known as Bye Bye Mattress. MRC funds its California activities through a $10.50 per unit recycling fee collected from consumers when they buy a mattress or box spring.

Mattresses may be taken to a mattress recycler free of charge. Mattresses may also be taken to any County owned Landfill or Transfer Station (North County, Foothill, and Lovelace) for disposal for free*. 

Most mattresses and box springs discarded by California residents are eligible for the program.  

The following materials do not qualify under the Mattress Recycling Program and are not eligible for free disposal, but may be disposed of as regular waste at all County owned facilities:

-Severely damaged, wet, twisted, frozen or soiled mattresses or box springs

-Items infested with bed bugs
-Mattress pads or toppers
-Sleeping bags
-Pillows
-Car beds
-Juvenile products such as carriages, baskets, cribs, bassinets, dressing tables, strollers, and playpens or their pads
-Infant carriers, lounge pads, or crib bumpers
-Water beds or camping air mattresses
-Fold-out sofa beds

Example of Eligible and Non-Eligible Mattress Units

*Limit of 10 mattresses per vehicle per load from Residents at County owned facilities.
*Businesses pay normal gate fees and have a limit of 30 mattresses per vehicle per load at County owned facilities.

For full details on eligible and ineligible products, visit FAQs (https://byebyemattress.com/faqs/)

Wondering what happens to your mattress after it is dropped off? Check this out!

o   English - https://youtu.be/dKpNuPKUkVo

o   Spanish - https://youtu.be/vMfV9tr5PJA