The Mattress Stewardship Act establishes a comprehensive program in New Jersey aimed at the environmentally responsible management of discarded mattresses. Under this act, all mattress producers, retailers, and renovators are required to join a stewardship organization and register within one year of the act's effective date. The stewardship organization is responsible for developing a detailed plan that includes managing the program, ensuring environmentally sound practices, and providing consumer access to mattress collection opportunities. Retailers and renovators are prohibited from selling mattresses unless they are registered with an organization that has an approved plan, and they must collect a stewardship assessment at the point of sale to fund the program.

Furthermore, the act creates the Mattress Stewardship Fund, which will collect fees, penalties, and surcharges to support the program's administration. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is tasked with maintaining a list of compliant entities, reviewing annual reports from stewardship organizations, and ensuring accountability through inspections and penalties for violations. The act aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce the environmental impact of discarded mattresses by promoting proper disposal practices and providing necessary resources for consumers.