Mattress Dumping and the EU Directive for Mattress Recycling (EPR)

In Ireland it is estimated that the current recycling rate of mattresses is at or below the European average. In 2020, the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy recommended a mattress Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.

Internationally, EPR schemes are viewed as an effective way to improve collection and recycling of mattresses. They ensure the entire industry is engaged in mattress recycling, helping boost rates for collection, reuse and recycling. The scheme also wants to see better ‘eco-design’ of mattresses – so more materials can be re-used when they are broken down for recycling.

In Belgium, after the introduction of an EPR scheme, the reuse and recycling of mattresses is set to increase from 10% in 2021 to 75% in 2030. In France, in 2023, the mattress recycling rate was 50% with a recovery rate of 90%.

The European Parliament has extended the EPR scheme to include mattresses. The implementation date for textiles is January 1, 2025, while the start date for mattresses is December 31, 2027.

 

Ireland’s Mattress EPR Scheme

It is not known yet how Ireland’s Mattress EPR scheme will work.

A visible fee at point of sale appears to be an effective approach in other mattress EPR schemes and has worked well for tyres in Ireland.

A mattress EPR scheme in Ireland will encourage end of life recycling via a take back scheme. It will cover the costs of collection, screening and storage.

The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy proposed that a roadmap will be developed that includes interim measures preparing the sector ultimately for an EPR scheme.

To be ready for the introduction of mattress EPR in Ireland, it is advisable to integrate mattress recycling into your business model now.

 

Apply for BBR’s Retailer Recycling Certificate

If you are a retailer who is already actively recycling with BBR, please email Nicola at info@bouncebackrecycling.ie with the business name as you would like it to appear on the certificate. If you are a retailer who is not actively recycling with BBR, please call Nicola on 091 760877 to discuss working together.