Breaking News: California Mattress Recycling Fee Increases to $18 Per unit, Effective April 1, 2026
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A new state-mandated change will raise the California mattress recycling fee from $16.00 to $18.00 per unit sold, starting with any mattress, futon, or foundation purchased on or after April 1, 2026. The increase reflects higher costs for labor, transportation, and operations tied to recycling programs in the state.
Key details you need to know
- The $18.00 per unit fee applies to all eligible products,regardless of size or type (mattress,futon,or foundation).
- The fee is not subject to sales tax.
- Receipts must display the fee as a separate line item, whether sold in-store or online.
- The full amount must be remitted to the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) via MRCreporting.org.
Who must comply
- Brick-and-mortar retailers selling mattresses or foundations to end users
- Online sellers, including marketplace vendors
- Commercial volume sellers such as hotels, hospitals, colleges, universities, nursing homes, and medical centers
System updates required
Retailers should update point-of-sale systems to reflect the new $18.00 fee before April 1, 2026. For 2026 sales reporting, MRCreporting.org will automatically calculate remittance as $18.00 × number of units sold.
Customer education materials
Updated materials will be sent to registered retail locations in March and will be available to download from the resources library.
Questions
For more information, email [email protected] or call 1-855-229-1691.
At-a-glance: Key facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee amount | $18.00 per unit |
| Effective date | On or after April 1, 2026 |
| Items covered | mattresses, futons and foundations |
| Tax treatment | Not subject to sales tax |
| Receipt presentation | Separate line item on all receipts |
| Remittance | To Mattress Recycling Council via MRCreporting.org |
| Who must comply | Retailers, online sellers, and commercial volume sellers |
| System update | Update POS before April 1, 2026 |
| Education materials | Distributed in March; available online |
| Contacts | [email protected]; 1-855-229-1691 |
Long-term impact and perspective
The fee adjustment aligns with ongoing efforts to fund and sustain mattress recycling infrastructure in California. For retailers, this means updating pricing workflows, receipts, and reporting processes to ensure compliance. For consumers, the change underscores a broader commitment to environmentally responsible disposal and recycling of aging bedding products.
As California continues to refine its recycling framework, businesses and shoppers alike should monitor forthcoming guidance from the Mattress Recycling Council and state authorities to stay ahead of any further updates.
Engagement
Two questions for readers: How might the $18.00 per-unit fee influence your purchasing decisions for new mattresses? Will you check receipts to confirm the fee appears as a separate line item?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help readers understand how this policy affects shopping choices and household budgeting.
Foam, hybrid, specialty).
What Is the California mattress Recycling Fee?
- A statewide surcharge imposed on every new mattress sold in California.
- Collected by retailers at the point of sale and remitted to CalRecycle.
- Funds support mattress collection,transport,and recycling programs mandated by AB 2215 (Mattress Recycling Act).
Effective Date and New Fee Structure
| Date | Fee per Unit | How It Is Collected |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 2022 | $6 | Retailer‑charged; passed to CalRecycle |
| April 1 2024 | $12 | Adjusted for inflation & processing costs |
| April 1 2026 | $18 | New baseline fee for all mattress categories |
– The increase applies to all mattress types (innerspring, foam, hybrid, specialty).
- Retailers must update POS systems by March 15 2026 to reflect the $18 surcharge.
Why the Fee Is Increasing to $18
- Rising disposal costs – Landfill tipping fees in California have climbed an average of 8% per year since 2020.
- Advanced recycling technology – New fiber‑recovery and steel‑spring shredding equipment requires higher capital investment.
- Inflation adjustment – CalRecycle applies the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to maintain program solvency.
- Legislative mandate – Senate Bill 2026 authorizes the fee ceiling of $20; the Department has set $18 as the current optimal level.
Impact on retailers and Manufacturers
- Retailers must absorb the administrative burden of fee reporting, but can offset the cost by bundling the surcharge with delivery or disposal services.
- Manufacturers may see a modest price increase (≈ $2-$4 per mattress) as wholesalers pass the fee downstream.
- Compliance audits will increase; non‑reporting retailers face penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
What Consumers Need to Know
- The $18 fee is included in the sticker price displayed at the checkout.
- It is indeed non‑refundable and applies even if the mattress is donated directly to a charity.
- Consumers can still receive a free pick‑up for the old mattress when purchasing a new one at participating retailers.
Practical Tips for Reducing Costs
- Shop at retailers that bundle disposal – Some chains include the $18 fee in a “white‑glove delivery” package, eliminating separate pick‑up charges.
- Donate before purchase – If you arrange your own donation, you can request the retailer to waive the fee (requires proof of third‑party disposal).
- Bulk purchase discount – Buying two or more mattresses from the same store may qualify for a reduced handling surcharge.
- Check for local rebate programs – Certain counties (e.g., San Diego) offer a $5 rebate for residents who recycle through approved facilities.
Benefits of the Higher Fee
- Diversion target: Expect a 25% increase in mattresses diverted from landfills by 2028, moving California closer to its Zero‑Waste Goal.
- Job creation: The expanded recycling network supports an estimated 150 new jobs in sorting, logistics, and material recovery.
- Resource recovery: Higher fees fund advanced facilities that recover up to 70% of steel springs and 45% of polyurethane foam, feeding secondary markets for carpet padding and insulation.
Case Study: Early Fee Increases in California
- Los Angeles County raised its fee from $6 to $10 in 2022. Within two years, the county reported:
- 45% rise in collected mattresses (from 150,000 to 218,000 units).
- $3.2 million additional revenue directed to new recycling centers.
- Reduced illegal dumping incidents by 30%.
- The data demonstrated that modest fee hikes directly correlate with higher participation rates and improved environmental outcomes,supporting the rationale for the $18 increase.
Compliance Requirements and Penalties
- Quarterly reporting to CalRecycle via the online Mattress Recycling Management System (MRMS).
- Record‑keeping: Maintain invoices, receipts, and transport manifests for five years.
- Audit triggers: Discrepancies exceeding 2% of reported units will prompt an on‑site inspection.
- Penalties:
- First‑time non‑compliance – $1,250 fine.
- Repeated violations – up to $5,000 per incident and possible suspension of business license.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will the $18 fee apply to used mattresses sold on secondary markets? | No. The fee is only levied on new mattresses sold by licensed retailers. |
| How is the fee tracked for online sales? | E‑commerce platforms must integrate the MRMS API to submit fee data at checkout. |
| Can a consumer request a receipt showing the fee separately? | Yes; retailers are required to provide an itemized receipt upon request. |
| What happens if a retailer forgets to collect the fee? | CalRecycle will issue a notice of deficiency and may assess retroactive fees plus penalties. |
| Is there a maximum fee cap? | The current legislation caps the fee at $20 per unit; $18 is the scheduled amount for 2026. |
