Mattresses and Box Springs Now Being Accepted for Recycling by Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting mattresses and box springs at the Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center in Derwood. The new recycling program provides an opportunity for community members to responsibly dispose of old mattresses and box springs and will greatly reduce waste.

Community members can drop off mattresses and box springs in the upper lot across from the household hazardous waste program area of the Transfer Station and Recycling Center, which is located at 16101 Frederick Rd. in Derwood.

"This recycling initiative represents a significant step forward in the County's commitment to creating a greener and more eco-conscious future,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “As an environmentally conscious community, we are committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce waste and preserve our natural resources. This program not only addresses an important environmental concern, but also provides an easy and accessible way for our residents to contribute to a sustainable future. 

Acceptable items in the new recycling program include mattresses and box springs such as, but not limited to:

• Adjustable base mattresses
• Hybrid mattresses—spring coils with multiple layers of foam
• Innerspring mattresses
• Latex mattresses
• Memory foam mattresses
• Metal and wood bed base foundations and/or box springs

Specifically, mattresses and box springs mean any resilient material or combination of materials that are enclosed by ticking, used alone or in combination with other products and are intended for or promoted for sleeping upon. Mattresses and box springs include any foundation, renovated foundation or renovated mattress or box spring. 

Unacceptable items include:

• Car beds
• Crib or bassinet mattresses
• Fold out sofa beds or futons
• Juvenile products including:
  • Carriages
  • Crib bumpers
  • Dressing tables
  • Infant carriers
  • Lounge pads
  • Pads for juvenile products
  • Playpens
  • Strollers
• Pillows
• Products that contain liquid- or gaseous-filled ticking, including adjustable water/gel/air bed/mattresses that do not contain upholstery material between the ticking and the mattress core
• Sleeping bags
• Unattached pillowtop/mattresses, topper/mattresses pads/under pads, including items with resilient filling, with or without ticking, that are intended to be used with, or on top of, a mattress.
• Upholstered furniture that does not contain a detachable mattress

For more information on the Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Program, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep/.

Download the Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Program Flyer.

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Release ID: 23-210
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563
Categories: Environment