SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The state of California has recycled more than 10 million mattresses since the launch of the Bye Bye Mattress program by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC). This has contributed to diversion of more than 380 million pounds of steel, foam, fiber and wood from landfills.

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The program offers a statewide network of collection sites and events across the state, in partnership with various solid waste providers and nonprofit organizations. A large number of waste haulers who collect bulk items from curbside too are part of the program. The collected mattresses are transported to local recyclers, where they are dismantled into various components, which in turn are used in the manufacture of new products.

The MRC declared that it is currently undertaking research projects to explore ways to improve collection, transportation and recycling techniques used by it.

Mike O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer, MRC said that mattress recycling contributes to various environmental goals including water savings, energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction by way of reducing the demand to use virgin materials. By recycling a single mattress, it contributes to saving 500 gallons of water, conserving energy to power a house for three days and reduces GHG emissions equivalent to driving 60 miles fewer.