California Legislature Approves Mattress Recycling Bill

The California legislature has approved a mattress recycling bill that now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The California Senate passed SB 254 by a 31-8 vote. The proposal would create a dedicated funding mechanism, reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses, take advantage of existing infrastructure for transporting used mattresses to recyclers, create jobs, and minimize costs to government and consumers, according to a news release from the Alexandria, Va.-based International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), which endorses the bill.

The bill would create a non-profit mattress recycling organization to develop the system to collect mattresses, dismantle and recycle them for new products. It will be paid for through a fee on retail mattress and box springs sales.

The bill was authored by Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) and Sen. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana).

“This is an effective and efficient piece of legislation and ISPA is proud to be a part of the solution in dealing with recycling used mattresses,” ISPA President Ryan Trainer said. “We appeal to the governor for his signature on this very important piece of legislation that will make a positive impact on keeping used mattresses out of our landfills, off highways and roads, and out of vacant lots.”

The bill is similar to mattress recycling laws passed in Rhode Island and Connecticut.