Connecticut Mattress Recycling Reaches Record 219,675 Units

The Bye Bye Mattress program recorded its highest annual collection total in 11 years, supported by increased retailer participation, although many municipalities continue disposing of curbside-collected mattresses as trash.

MONTREAL (RecyclingMonster): Connecticut's mattress recycling program collected a record 219,675 discarded mattresses and foundations during the 12 months ended June 30, 2026, according to an annual report filed with state regulators.

The Mattress Recycling Council's Bye Bye Mattress program collected approximately 7,000 more units than the previous year, marking the highest annual total in its 11-year history.

The industry-created nonprofit filed its annual report on October 15 with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Retailer Mattress Recycling Climbs Nearly 30%

Retailers accounted for the increase in collections, sending 45,139 mattresses and foundations to the program during the reporting year, nearly 30% more than a year earlier.

According to the Mattress Recycling Council, retailers that previously sold used mattresses to refurbishers are increasingly directing those units toward recycling.

The council attributed the shift to declining demand for refurbished mattresses.

Municipalities Remain the Largest Collection Source

Towns continue to represent the largest source of mattresses collected through Connecticut's Bye Bye Mattress program.

Residents in 157 of Connecticut's 169 municipalities have access to free mattress drop-off opportunities.

However, municipal curbside collection practices remain uneven.

Of the 48 towns that collect mattresses at the curb, only 16 recycle those units, according to the annual report.

The remaining towns dispose of curbside-collected mattresses as trash.

Record Collections Highlight Curbside Recycling Gap

The latest results show continued growth in Connecticut's mattress recycling collections, particularly through the retail sector.

At the same time, the annual report highlights a distinction between collecting discarded mattresses and directing them into recycling.

Although free drop-off access extends across most Connecticut municipalities, many towns providing curbside mattress collection continue sending that material to disposal.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com