Bye-bye, old mattress: Free recycling locations arrive in Central Oregon under new state law
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents now have access to a growing network of mattress recycling options that include free drop-off for residents at two sites in the region, as the Mattress Recycling Council’s statewide Bye Bye Mattress program expands to serve more Oregon communities.
These new options for recycling mattresses and box springs for free and keeping them out of landfills are the result of a new Oregon state law and efforts by the bedding industry and local governments, solid waste facilities, nonprofits and businesses.
Deschutes Recycling Center in Bend and Box Canyon Transfer Station in Madras are among the region’s first locations to participate in the program. Details regarding all available locations and hours of operation are available on ByeByeMattress.com.
The state law that took effect this year called for the bedding industry to create and administer the program. It’s similar to product stewardship programs for paint (PaintCare), electronics (E-Cycles) and beverage containers (Bottle Bill) that have reduced waste and encouraged reuse in Oregon for years; and replicates the success of MRC’s programs operating in other states.
More locations throughout the state are joining the network each month. This growing network brings big benefits to residents and the environment:
Recycling is free at participating locations.
Less illegal dumping in local streets, parks and riverbeds.
Fewer mattresses taking up space in landfills.
“We’re grateful to local governments and businesses that are helping us bring this important program to Oregon and make recycling old mattresses and box springs easier for residents,” said Mike O’Donnell, MRC’s Chief Operating Officer.
In addition to drop-off options, some mattress retailers will accept old ones for recycling through MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program. Residents who are having a new mattress delivered should ask their retailer about taking back their old one.
Recycled mattress components can be used instead of virgin materials to make new products, which conserves water and energy.
A mattress recycled through MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program is separated into steel, foam, fibers and wood that are incorporated into new steel products, carpet padding, insulation, biomass fuel and other products.
Oregon’s Mattress Stewardship Act, enacted in 2022, established the program. It began on Jan. 1, 2025, and is funded through a $22.50 fee that is collected when a mattress or box spring is purchased in Oregon. The fee is used to establish free drop-off locations and collection events throughout the state, transport collected units to recyclers that dismantle the discarded products and prepare the materials for use in other products.
Oregon’s mattress recycling law is similar to those in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, where MRC also administers programs. Since launching the first statewide program in 2015, MRC’s programs have recycled more than 15 million mattresses, saved 14.9 million cubic yards of landfill space and diverted 575 million pounds of material from landfills.
To learn how to recycle your mattress, find a collection location or attend an event near you, visit ByeByeMattress.com.
Note: It’s important for mattresses to be dry. This helps recyclers do their work and helps ensure your mattress can be recycled.
Bye Bye Mattress collection sites and events in key areas around the state are now accepting mattresses and box springs from the public for free. Central Oregon locations include:
Deschutes County (Bend)
Deschutes Recycling Center/Republic Services, 61050 Southeast 27th St., Daily, 7 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Jefferson County (Madras)
Box Canyon Transfer Station, 1760 Southeast McTaggart Rd., Madras, Fri. to Mon., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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About the Mattress Recycling Council
The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is a nonprofit organization that operates recycling programs in states that have passed mattress recycling laws: Oregon, California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. MRC was founded by the bedding industry and recycles nearly 2 million mattresses each year. More information at MattressRecyclingCouncil.org. To learn how to recycle your mattress or to find a collection location or event near you, visit ByeByeMattress.com.