A Guide to Responsible Mattress Disposal
Have you ever wondered what happens to your used mattress when it is all used up and you decide to throw it away? It’s easy to forget about it once you’ve tossed it out. But, in reality, improper mattress disposal causes very harmful and alarming effects, specifically towards our ecosystem.
When mattresses are in the landfill,
it does not immediately disintegrate. They stay there for years, taking up space and discharging harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Bearing this in mind, this guide tries to shed light on the
environmental impacts of improper mattress disposal and, at the same time, offers practical solutions for recycling old mattresses responsibly.
A Closer Look At The Environmental Repercussions of Improper Mattress Disposal
Here’s a more magnified look at the downsides of irresponsible mattress disposal.
Landfill Occupancy
When mattresses are thrown in landfills, they increase the volume of waste. Mattresses occupy more space since they are big and do not compact well. Each mattress occupies approximately
28 cubic feet of landfill space. To sum that all up, a year’s worth of discarded mattresses will hog more than
504 million cubic feet of landfill.
But it is not just the space issue. The things inside mattresses, such as foam and synthetic fibers, do not decay quickly. So, they sit there for decades, maybe even centuries, without breaking down.
Hazardous Chemicals
Quite a number of mattresses do contain chemicals like flame retardants. When a mattress degrades in a landfill, these chemicals may seep into the ground and find their way into groundwater. This could not only be detrimental to the environment but also turn into a significant health hazard for people living in that area.
Chemicals like PBDEs, TBBPA, and brominated flame retardants have been linked to fertility issues, cancer, and neurological problems.
Methane Emissions
Mattresses contain materials such as foam and fabric. These contribute to the slowing own of the decomposition process. And once these materials undergo decomposition, they also release something called methane, a greenhouse gas.
How To Properly Dispose of A Mattress
With all of these in mind, how can you properly dispose your old mattresses? Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways you can do it. Here are some of them:
Curbside Pickup
Some local waste management services offer curbside pickup for large items like mattresses. Check with your local waste management facility to see if this service is available.
Mattress Recycling Services
In the
Bay Area, there are several recycling centres that accept mattresses. For instance, The Mattress Guy is a mattress recycling company based in the Bay Area that provides 100% recycling of mattresses and box springs.
They offer convenient pick-up for both residents and businesses.
When you take your mattress to a
recycling centre, here’s what generally happens:
- Collection. The mattress is collected from your home and transported to the recycling facility.
- Dismantling. Materials like metal, foam, and fabric are individually segregated.
- Cleaning. The separated materials are sorted and cleaned to prepare them for recycling.
- Processing/recyling/repurposing. Each material is processed accordingly. Metals are melted down, foams are shredded and repurposed, and fabrics are recycled into new products.
Donation
If your mattress is still in good condition, you can
consider donating. Give it a new home!
Some organisations in the Bay Area that accept mattress donations include Goodwill and The Salvation Army. You can also go to local or refugee shelters-they may welcome mattress donations to support those that may need it.
Sell It
This is another good option if your mattress is still in good shape. You can post it on platforms like Craiglist or Facebook Marketplace. However, make sure to sell it for a reasonable price.
Retailer Take-Back Programmes
When you purchase a new mattress, some retailers offer to take back your old one. You may even get a discounted price for your new mattress if so. Check your mattress brand and see if they over these kinds of services.
DIY Recycling
If you’re feeling a little crafty, you can also upcycle parts of your mattress yourself.
For example, the wood from the box spring can be used for DIY home projects, and the foam can be used for pet beds or cushions. But, this should be done with care. Mattress components can be sharp and can be dangerous to handle.
Recycle Responsibly: Schedule Your Mattress Pickup with The Mattress Guy Today!
Ready to make a positive impact on the environment? Let The Mattress Guy help you responsibly dispose of your old mattress or box spring. With our dedicated mattress recycling center, we ensure that 100% of your mattress materials are recycled and repurposed, reducing landfill waste and saving our Earth.
Join us in our mission to create a sustainable future. Schedule a pickup today and be a part of the change. Whether you're a resident or a business, our reliable and efficient recycling services are here for you.
Schedule a pick up with us now!
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