New Program Launched January 1, 2025
Guest Article by the Recycling Information Center
Mattresses are bulky, tricky to dispose of, and too often end up in landfills. But there’s good news on the horizon for Oregonians: starting in January of 2025, the state is launching Bye Bye Mattress, an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that makes mattress manufacturers responsible for the end life of their products.
Here’s how it works: when buying a new mattress in the state of Oregon, the consumer will pay a small fee at checkout. This fee will fund recycling programs across the state, allowing individuals and businesses to drop off old mattress at designated locations for free.
Mattresses will travel from their collection point to a recycling facility. Environmentally Conscious Recycling (ECR) will receive all mattresses dropped off in the Portland Metro region for recycling. Processing mattresses is no joke, and ECR has developed an innovative machine to separate useable materials - the BearClaw! The BearClaw separates foam, metal, and wood, ensuring each material can be sorted and recycled into new products. You can view a video of the BearClaw machine in action on their website: https://bearclawenterprisesllc.com/
When the program launches in January of 2025, a limited number of mattress drop-off sites will be available. However, many additional sites will open over the next several years. To meet the convenience standard outlined by the EPR program, the Portland Metro Region will eventually offer at least 25 mattress drop-off sites for customers to use free of any additional charge. To locate a site near you, visit the Bye Bye Mattress website: https://byebyemattress.com/oregon/
Did you purchase your mattress before the program started? No problem. It still qualifies for recycling.
Consider Mattress Donation First!
Recycling is great, but if your mattress is still in good condition, donation is better. Donation gives your mattress a second life and helps someone in need.
In the Portland Metro area, Community Warehouse is one of the only organizations accepting mattresses for reuse. This local nonprofit collects donated home goods and works with social service agencies to get those goods in the hands of those who need it most. They serve people transitioning out of homelessness, leaving domestic violence situations, and immigrants relocating to our region. Most items that come to Community Warehouse are gone within 24-48 hours of donation! Gently used mattresses are always one of the most in-demand items. In fact, mattresses are so essential that without one, Community Warehouse cannot accept new client appointments.
By donating your mattress to Community Warehouse, you’re not just diverting waste from the landfill—you’re making a tangible difference in someone’s life. In 2023, Community Warehouse served 6,685 people and diverted 465 tons of useable goods from waste streams into local homes.
Community Warehouse can only accept clean mattresses free from stains or major damage and offer convenient donation drop-offs at their locations in Portland and Tualatin. Don’t have a way to transport your mattress? No problem—they also provide a pickup service for a small fee.
How You Can Help
As a Master Recycler, you have the power to inspire others to think differently about their mattresses. Here are a few ways you can help raise awareness about Oregon’s new mattress recycling program and donation options:
Share the news: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the new mattress EPR program starting in 2025. Highlight the fact that recycling will be free and lead to important environmental impacts.
Promote donation: Encourage your community to consider mattress donation before recycling. Share information about Community Warehouse and their services, including pickup options.
Use social media: Post about mattress recycling and donation options on your social platforms. Include links to Bye Bye Mattress and Community Warehouse so people can find the resources they need.
Volunteer at events: Sign up to table at events to spread the word and support your local jurisdictions.
With your help, we can make sure every mattress in Oregon has a thoughtful end-of-life plan, whether it’s recycled into new materials or passed on to someone who needs it!