What Retailers Should Know About Recycling Fees in 2026
Mattress recycling fees in California and Rhode Island are expected to adjust in early 2026 due to rising labor, transportation, and processing costs. MRC is monitoring these developments closely and will provide retailers with clear, advance guidance to help them prepare for any changes and communicate confidently with customers.
Retailers with questions can contact the Mattress Recycling Council at mattressrecyclingcouncil.org/contact-us.
Recycling Spotlight: What Orange County’s Progress Means for Retailers
Orange County Waste & Recycling recently shared new results from its partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council: more than 145,000 mattresses have been recycled through the region’s program. According to OCWR, the recovered materials represent nearly 240,000 cubic yards of preserved landfill airspace—roughly 3,000 tons of waste diverted from disposal.
A recent commentary in Recycling Today highlighted the collaboration as a model for reducing strain on municipal landfill systems—progress that helps reinforce the value of retailer participation when customers ask how mattress recycling works in practice.
Growing Public Awareness Is Making Customer Conversations Easier
MRC reported strong engagement around this year’s America Recycles Day activities, expanding public awareness of mattress recycling and the role retailers play. Highlights include:
- 10 radio and TV stations currently airing the council’s public service announcements
- Expanded social outreach in California across 18 counties, reaching more than 316,000 people through local government and community partners
- Additional amplification from Oregon municipalities representing more than 17,000 residents.
As awareness grows, retailers are increasingly supported by customers who are more familiar with mattress recycling programs, making it easier for RSAs to answer questions, explain recycling fees, and reinforce responsible disposal at the point of sale.
Policy Watch: What New Jersey Retailers Should Know About Proposed Disposal Rules
A bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature would require mattress manufacturers, renovators, and retailers to participate in a statewide stewardship program aimed at reducing improper disposal and illegal dumping.
ISPA worked with the sponsors who introduced model mattress recycling legislation and is working with interested stakeholders to advance it in 2026—efforts aimed at creating clearer, more consistent expectations for retailers as recycling policies evolve.
