Trash & Recycling

Got an unwanted mattress or box spring? Rest easy. You have options.

Expanded mattress collection and recycling pilot program funded by Mattress Recycling Council

Published:

May 10, 2021

Last Updated:

May 11, 2022

Berkeley, California (Monday, May 10, 2021) - Recycling your mattress in Berkeley just got easier with expanded curbside collection. Whether you’re moving or just replacing your old mattress, don’t send your mattress to the landfill. Instead, give it new life by dropping it off at our Transfer Station, scheduling a free curbside pickup, or having your retailer haul it away.

Three ways to recycle your mattress

Over 75% of the materials in a mattress or box spring can be recycled into new products. Steel springs are recycled to make new appliances and building materials. Foam is turned into carpet underlayment. Fibers are used in sound and thermal insulation. Wood can be shredded into landscaping mulch.

When you’re ready to say goodbye to your old mattress, make sure its materials are put to good use:

Ask your retailer to take it away: If you’re replacing your mattress, tell your retailer you need your old one removed when making your purchase. California law requires mattress retailers to offer to take your old mattress away at no additional cost when they deliver a new one - whether you purchase in a store or online (some exceptions apply). Learn more.
Drop it off at the Transfer Station: California residents can bring up to two clean, dry mattresses or box springs to the Berkeley Transfer Station for no charge. (Standard rates apply for all mattresses brought by commercial customers.) The Berkeley Transfer Station is located at 1201 Second St (just off the Gilman St. freeway exit) and is open Monday-Saturday, 8am-4:30pm.
Schedule a free pick-up: This year, we’re offering curbside mattress collection at no charge for 1-9 unit residential properties (some limits apply). This service is part of a pilot program funded by a grant from the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC). Call (510) 981-7270 to request a pickup. Note: Only the property owner or authorized contact listed on the refuse account can schedule a curbside pickup appointment. See details and pickup instructions.

What we can and can’t take

Berkeley mattress collection and recycling programs accept standard sized mattresses from twin through California king (including memory foam mattresses), box springs, and futon mattresses that separate from the frame.

We cannot accept:

excessively wet, moldy, or soiled mattresses
severely twisted, punctured, or crushed mattresses
mattresses infested with bed bugs
infant or child sized mattresses
air mattresses
mattress toppers
futon bases and frames

These items will not be picked up if left out for curbside collection.

Expanded mattress recycling reduces illegal dumping and advances sustainability goals

The expanded curbside collection and recycling we’re offering this year is a pilot program funded by the Mattress Recycling Council. With this program, which supports our Strategic Plan goal to “be a global leader in addressing climate change, advancing environmental justice, and protecting the environment,” we hope to reduce the number of illegally dumped mattresses in Berkeley and divert more mattresses from landfill.

Curbside collection is provided by Berkeley’s Department of Public Works Clean City staff. Mattress collection at the Berkeley Transfer Station is a partnership between the City’s Zero Waste Division and the Mattress Recycling Council’s ByeByeMattress program. The City also received a micro award from the Mattress Recycling Council to install a weather cover at the Transfer Station to keep mattresses clean and dry (excessively wet or soiled mattresses can’t be recycled).

Mattress Recycling Council programs and awards are funded by a recycling fee consumers pay when purchasing a new mattress or box spring.