Research: End of Life Mattress Report

The National Bed Federation’s fifth End of Life Mattress Report, produced by Resource Futures, reveals that despite recycling rates of used mattresses more than doubling between 2021 and 2023, the quality of disposed mattresses and market economics continue to inhibit recycling – and gaps in infrastructure, end-markets for all types of materials, regulatory drivers and eco-design persist.

The report identifies critical gaps existing across infrastructure, data collection, and eco-design. Many recyclers are still reliant on manual processes, while inconsistent reporting across the sector hampers transparency. The lack of standardised data makes it difficult to track progress or enforce accountability. Additionally, the complexity of mattress design – often involving mixed materials – limits recyclability and increases processing costs.

To address these issues, the report calls for the implementation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for this sector, which would shift the burden of disposal and recycling onto manufacturers, and incentivise sustainable design and investment in recycling systems. It also recommends greater collaboration be sought across the supply chain, along with improved product labelling and clearer guidance for consumers.

This research lays the groundwork for the introduction of smarter legislation and scalable solutions, ensuring that mattress recycling becomes not just more common, but is more effective, scalable and environmentally responsible. The report demonstrates that more businesses in the sector are engaging with circular economy principles and innovation in mattress design is beginning to emerge; however, without coordinated policy support and further industry-wide commitment, the UK risks plateauing in its mattress recycling efforts.