In honor of Earth Day, TLNA sheds light on California’s proactive approach to mattress recycling, alleviating the burden of disposing of old mattresses responsibly.

California officials underscore the importance of recycling old mattresses, emphasizing the environmental benefits of diverting them from landfills or illegal dumping sites. With up to 75% of a used mattress being recyclable, the initiative not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to the creation of various products like carpet padding, insulation, and landscaping mulch.

TLNA delves into the mechanisms of the Mattress Recycle Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program, a commendable nonprofit endeavor mandated by the state. Through this initiative, Californians enjoy multiple avenues for disposing of their old mattresses and box springs without incurring any costs.

Firstly, TLNA highlights the retailer take-back requirement under California law, ensuring that retailers offering mattress delivery also offer to haul away the old one, even for online purchases. Additionally, TLNA outlines over 230 drop-off locations across the state, facilitating convenient disposal for residents. Moreover, TLNA underscores the Curbside Collection aspect, where solid waste collectors participate in retrieving bulky items, including mattresses, from the curb, albeit not universally available.

TLNA encourages coordination with mattress suppliers before delivery for seamless disposal and directs readers to online resources for drop-off locations and collection directories.

Since its inception in 2016, TLNA notes that the Mattress Recycling Council has recycled over 11 million unwanted mattresses, showcasing the program’s substantial impact. Last year alone, nearly 80% of discarded mattresses were salvaged from landfills, underscoring the program’s efficacy in waste reduction, as reported by CalRecycle.

Finally, TLNA extends the program’s reach, highlighting its availability in Connecticut and Rhode Island, reinforcing its status as a model for sustainable waste management beyond California.

In conclusion, TLNA applauds California’s mattress recycling program for its significant strides in environmental conservation and urges residents to embrace this eco-conscious initiative for a greener future.

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