Sustainable Sleep: States Take Action on Mattress Recycling
As consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendliness, a growing number of states are taking steps to make the mattress industry more environmentally sustainable. California, Connecticut, Oregon, and Rhode Island have introduced a flat fee on mattress and box spring purchases, both online and in-store. This innovative approach aims to divert millions of discarded mattresses from landfills and promote a circular economy.
The Problem: Mattress Waste
Each year, Americans discard an estimated 15 million to 20 million mattresses, equivalent to 50,000 per day. However, more than 75% of a mattress is recyclable, including its wood, steel, foams, and fibers. Despite this, few options exist for consumers to recycle their used mattresses, leading to illegal dumping and environmental harm.
State-Led Recycling Initiatives
Oregon recently implemented a recycling fee of $22.50 per unit, while California and Connecticut raised their fees to $16 per unit. Rhode Island increased its fee to $20.50 last year. These fees, reflected as “stewardship assessments” on receipts, fund state recycling programs that provide convenient drop-off locations and create jobs in the recycling sector.
Industry Collaboration and Expansion
The mattress industry is working with lawmakers in Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and Virginia to establish similar programs. The Mattress Recycling Council, a nonprofit formed by the industry, operates state recycling programs and provides education and resources to consumers.
Extended Producer Responsibility
These state-led initiatives exemplify “extended producer responsibility” laws, which hold manufacturers accountable for managing their products when they become waste. By passing along consumer fees to the Mattress Recycling Council, retailers fund each state’s program, providing a sustainable source of funding for recycling efforts.
A Growing Movement
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, states are taking action to promote sustainability across various industries. The mattress recycling programs serve as a model for other product categories, such as plastic packaging, paper products, and electronics. By working together, consumers, manufacturers, and governments can create a more circular economy and reduce waste.
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