Quick Answer
The best way to add mattress recycling fees to your Shopify store is by using an app like Magical Product Fees, which automates fee collection at checkout. Shopify does not support built-in environmental fees, so an app ensures compliance with state laws and keeps the process seamless for customers.
Detailed Answer
Several U.S. states, including California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon, require retailers to collect a mandatory mattress recycling fee to fund proper disposal and recycling programs. These fees range from $10.50 to $22.50 per unit, and must be clearly displayed on invoices.
Shopify does not offer built-in support for adding and managing these fees, making it difficult to comply. Using an app like Magical Product Fees provides an automated solution by adding state-mandated recycling fees at checkout, ensuring compliance and transparency for customers.
If you sell in multiple locations, then Shopify Plus users can take advantage of location-based fee automation, ensuring only customers in required states are charged. Users not on Shopify Plus can find workarounds, however these might be less reliable.
Merchants outside the U.S. should check local regulations, as countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia also have mattress recycling programs with different rules and costs. If unsure, consult a lawyer or regulatory authority to ensure compliance.
The benefits of using an app means that you will automate fee collection and ensure compliance with minimal effort:
- Automatically ensures compliance by applying state-mandated recycling fees to mattress sales
- Clearly displays fees during the shopping process, building trust with customers through fee transparency.
- Simplifies fee management, reducing manual administrative tasks.
Supporting Answers
What are mattress recycling programs?
A mattress recycling program is a waste management initiative designed to divert discarded mattresses from landfills and incinerators and instead recycle their components for reuse or repurposing.
Mattresses can be challenging to dispose of due to their size, bulk, and the variety of materials they contain, including foam, fabric, metal springs, and wood. These components can take a long time to break down in landfills, contributing to environmental issues such as pollution and resource depletion.
What Are the Mattress Recycling Fee Requirements in the U.S.?
| State | Requirement |
| California | Retailers must collect a $10.50 fee per mattress and foundation, displayed as “Recycle Fee $10.50” on invoices. |
| Connecticut | An $11.75 fee per unit is required, labeled as “Recycle Fee” on sales documents. |
| Rhode Island | A $20.50 fee per mattress and box spring, listed as “Recycle Fee” on receipts. |
| Oregon | Starting January 1, 2025, a $22.50 fee per unit must be collected, described as a “recycling assessment” or “recycling fee” on customer documentation. |
| Minnesota | Bill HF 2361 passed in 2021 but no actual program was set up yet. Legislation looks very similar to the other 4 states and the program is set to be coordinated by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC). |
Other countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia have mattress recycling programs with varying costs for pickup or drop-off. Laws differ by region, so consult a lawyer and your regulatory authority to ensure compliance.
How do I add these fees to my Shopify Store?
Using an app like Magical Product Fees is always the best way to charge fees on Shopify because Shopify does not offer built-in support for charging mandatory environmental fees like mattress recycling fees.
If you’re selling in multiple locations, the method for charging fees in specific regions depends on whether you’re using Shopify Plus or a standard Shopify plan:
For Shopify Plus Users
Utilize Magical Product Fees‘ location-based features to automatically apply fees based on customer location, ensuring fees are added appropriately during checkout.
For Non-Shopify Plus Users
Using an app is still the best way to charge fees to your store.
However, location-based fees is a feature not available to non-Shopify Plus users. Workarounds exist using apps like UpCharge Fees Addons, which apply fees based on customer IP addresses, but this method may be unreliable due to potential inaccuracies in location detection.
Real-Life Experience
I once worked with a retailer who needed to set up eco fees for two neighboring states on the East Coast…one required them, and the other didn’t. Separating the two was a challenge, and she really appreciated having human support to navigate the process. That’s why I recommend using an app: not only does it automate compliance, but it also comes with the setup support you need so you’re not figuring it all out on your own.
-Kyle Godon, Shopify App Expert
Key Takeaway
Implementing mattress recycling fees on Shopify is essential for legal compliance in certain states. Utilizing apps like Magical Product Fees simplifies this process, ensuring both adherence to regulations and clear communication with customers.
Ensure your Shopify store complies with state regulations and promotes environmental responsibility. Try Magical Product Fees today to simplify compliance!
Magical Product Fees
The Magical Product Fees app is a fast and easy way to build, customize, and attach fees to products or entire orders.