Don't Sleep on Mattress Recycling

Mattresses make up a significant portion of waste sent to landfills, with Americans discarding an estimated 15-20 million mattresses annually. However, over 75% of mattress materials like wood, foam, steel and fiber are recyclable. Enacting a statewide mattress recycling program would divert this waste stream from landfills and allow these materials to be repurposed into products like carpet padding, animal bedding, mulch and scrap metal. Three states - California, Connecticut and Rhode Island - have already implemented laws requiring the mattress industry to fund and operate free recycling programs for consumers. These are funded by fees on new mattress purchases rather than taxpayer dollars. Oregon will launch a similar program in 2025. New York should follow suit by passing legislation for a statewide mattress recycling program. This would promote sustainability, reduce landfill burden, and provide a convenient recycling option for residents at little to no cost. The mattress recycling industry has expressed support for such policies. Implementing this type of program would be a proactive step towards reducing solid waste and improving New York's environmental footprint.