Starting January 1, 2025, Oregon will launch a statewide mattress recycling program aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. This new initiative is the result of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) authorizing the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) to establish a mattress stewardship program following the approval of a revised operating plan, budget, and stewardship fee.
If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor, renovator, or retailer of mattresses or foundations sold in Oregon, registration with MRC is now required by law. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and ensure your business is ready for the upcoming changes.
Why This Matters
The new mattress recycling requirements are part of Oregon’s Mattress Stewardship Act (SB 1576), designed to make mattress disposal more sustainable and environmentally responsible. To be in compliance, all relevant entities must register with the MRC by January 1, 2025. Registration is free and essential to access program updates and educational materials, and you must stay informed about your responsibilities under this new law.
Key Mattress Recycling Requirements for Retailers
Whether you operate a brick-and-mortar store or an online retail business in Oregon, you’ll need to meet the following obligations:
Register with MRC: All mattress and foundation retailers must register at MRCreporting.org before January 1, 2025.
Collect and Display the Stewardship Fee: Retailers must charge a mattress stewardship fee of $22.50 per unit sold to Oregon consumers. This fee must be clearly displayed as a separate line item on receipts or invoices, whether the sale is to individual consumers or bulk buyers like hotels or hospitals.
Monthly Reporting and Fee Remittance: Retailers are required to report sales of mattresses and foundations and remit the collected stewardship fees to MRC on a monthly basis.
Purchase from Registered Suppliers Only: Make sure the products you sell come from registered manufacturers, distributors, importers, or renovators.
Educate Consumers: At the point of sale, retailers must provide information about recycling and collection options for discarded mattresses and foundations, ensuring customers are aware of how to dispose of their old products responsibly.
Requirements for Manufacturers, Distributors, Importers, and Renovators
If you manufacture, distribute, import, or renovate mattresses or foundations sold in Oregon, the following requirements apply to you:
Register with MRC: Complete your registration at MRCreporting.org before January 1, 2025.
Provide Brand Information: As part of the registration process, you must list all brand names or Uniform Resource Names (URNs) associated with the mattresses and foundations you sell in Oregon.
If your business performs multiple roles, such as manufacturing and retailing, you will need to register under each relevant category.
Why Early Registration Is Important
Although the program doesn’t officially launch until January 1, 2025, registering now gives you access to important updates from MRC as the start date approaches. These updates will include program implementation details and materials you can use to educate your customers about the new recycling options. Early registration also ensures you’re well-prepared and fully compliant with Oregon’s new legal requirements.
How to Register
Registering is straightforward and free of charge. To get started, simply visit MRCreporting.org. If you need technical support during the registration process, contact the MRC helpdesk at 1-888-646-6815.
Additional Resources
For further information, you can explore the following resources:
– Obligations Information Sheet
– Definitions and Registration Categories
This new initiative marks a significant step forward in Oregon’s effort to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in the mattress industry. Register and prepare your business to meet these new mattress recycling requirements to ensure you’re ready for the change.
