Industry-Led Mattress Recycling Program Begins in Oregon, Mattress King of Oregon Calls It “A Waste of Good Product”

Coon Dinner

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SALEM, OR—As Oregon rings in the new year with an innovative mattress recycling program, one local business owner isn’t ready to rest easy. The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) launched its Bye Bye Mattress initiative on January 1, allowing consumers to drop off old mattresses at participating locations. But Mattress King of Oregon—a self-proclaimed “Mattress Mogul”—remains unconvinced.

"You don’t just throw away a perfectly good mattress,” said Red Rich, Mattress King of Oregon

“You don’t just throw away a perfectly good mattress,” said Red Rich, owner of Mattress King of Oregon. “Just because it’s a little stained or smells like someone else’s bad decisions doesn’t mean it can’t find a new home.”

The Bye Bye Mattress program, mandated by Oregon’s Mattress Stewardship Act, is designed to reduce waste by recycling mattresses and foundations, regardless of their age or condition. According to MRC, the $22.50 recycling fee, added to each new mattress purchase, funds the initiative.

Red Rich, however, sees things differently.

Wild Racoons do not enjoy being made pets as adults.

“I’ve been in the mattress game for 30 years,” he said, standing in front of a pile of “pre-loved” mattresses stacked precariously outside his store. “You’d be surprised what a little Febreze and a new mattress cover can do. It’s practically recycling already, but smarter. And don’t forget the bonus animals—a free raccoon or mouse with every mattress. People love a good deal!”

While MRC touts the environmental benefits of its programs—having recycled over 15 million mattresses across California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island—Red Rich argues that the program is cutting into his bottom line.

“Who’s going to pay $22.50 extra when I can sell them a ‘gently experienced’ mattress for half the price?” he asked, motioning toward his latest promotion: “Buy One, Get One With Only Minor Spring Protrusions Free.”

State officials remain optimistic about the program’s potential impact.

“This is a win for Oregon,” said Amanda Greer, spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Quality. “We’re keeping old mattresses out of landfills and turning them into new products. It’s a sustainable solution that benefits everyone—except maybe Harold.”

But Red Rich remains undeterred.

“Landfills? Please,” he scoffed. “Back in my day, you threw your old mattress in the woods, and nature took care of it. That’s the circle of life. Ever heard of composting?”

Despite Red Rich’s objections, the Bye Bye Mattress program is already gaining traction, with hundreds of mattresses being dropped off daily. Red Rich, meanwhile, has doubled down on his business model, launching a new ad campaign: “Don’t Say Bye Bye, Say Why Why?”

Time will tell if the program can change hearts and minds across Oregon—or if Red Rich’s “pre-loved” empire will continue to thrive in defiance of progress.

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