Oregon Mattress Recycling Program Diverts 130,000 Units from Landfills
MONTREAL (RecyclingMonster): Oregon's statewide mattress recycling initiative has successfully diverted more than 130,000 mattresses and box springs from landfills during its first full year of operation in 2025. Currently, the program runs access to free collection sites across nearly all of the state's 36 counties.
The initiative reflects a growing focus on product stewardship and landfill diversion in the recycling industry, aligning with trends highlighted across the RecyclingMonster recycling and scrap information platform.
Program Launch and Funding Through a $22.50 Fee
The mattress recycling initiative became fully operational in January 2025 following legislation approved by state lawmakers in 2022.
Under the program, consumers purchasing new mattresses in Oregon pay a recycling fee of $22.50, which is used to support collection, transportation, and processing activities.
Refurbishment, Processing Sites, and Materials Recovery
According to program officials, it collected around 2,000 mattresses in usable condition, which in turn were refurbished for reuse.
The remaining units were dismantled at processing facilities in Eugene, Portland, and Klamath Falls. Recovered materials including steel, foam, wood, and fabric were supplied to manufacturers for use in various products.
Permanent Collection Locations and Community Drop-Off Events
The program offers permanent collection locations to accept discarded mattresses.
In addition, it also runs periodic community drop-off events. The main contributors of discarded mattresses are residents, followed by universities, hotels, mattress retailers, and waste removal companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mattresses were diverted from landfills in 2025?
More than 130,000 mattresses and box springs were diverted from landfills during the program’s first full year of operation in 2025.
When did Oregon’s mattress recycling program become fully operational?
The program became fully operational in January 2025 following legislation approved by state lawmakers in 2022.
How is the mattress recycling program funded?
Consumers purchasing new mattresses in Oregon pay a $22.50 recycling fee, which supports collection, transportation, and processing activities.
What happens to collected mattresses and box springs?
About 2,000 mattresses in usable condition were refurbished for reuse, while the remaining units were dismantled at processing facilities to recover materials such as steel, foam, wood, and fabric for use in new products.
Who contributes discarded mattresses to the program?
Residents are the main contributors, followed by universities, hotels, mattress retailers, and waste removal companies.
Market Relevance
Oregon’s mattress recycling initiative highlights how statewide stewardship programs can reduce landfill pressure, support material recovery industries, and use dedicated fees to build accessible collection networks for large, bulky items.