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How Does Mattress Recycling Work? Your Brief Guide

February 2, 2022

So you've upgraded your mattress, but now your old one is taking up space in your home. You may think throwing it out is the best choice, but it's not so great for the environment.


In the US, around 20 million mattresses end up in landfills or incinerators per year. If you want to reduce your impact, consider recycling your mattress instead.

How does mattress recycling work? Keep reading to find out more.


Why You Should Recycle Your Old Mattresses


When it's time to upgrade from your old mattress, recycling is the best way to dispose of them. Mattresses are bulky items that often end up in landfills and harm the environment.


They aren't biodegradable and spend several decades taking up space. Sometimes, the materials used contain harmful chemicals that get into the surrounding soil.

Recycling your old mattress gives it a new purpose, reduces your carbon footprint, and creates more demand for new recycling jobs.


How Does Mattress Recycling Work?


The mattress recycling process begins with deconstructing the mattress based on commodity. Deconstruction involves separating the springs, foams, fibers, upholstery, and wood items.


Once the items are separated into their respective categories, they ship out to major consumers who repurpose the materials.


How to Recycle Your Mattress


If you're not sure how to recycle a mattress, there are some options available. Explore these options in your area to make the best decision about your old mattress and avoid throwing them out.


Call a Recycling Facility or Service


Look for a mattress company or service in your area specializing in recycling old mattresses. There are currently over 50 mattress recycling facilities in the United States.

Calling one of these facilities or services eliminates most of the heavy lifting on your end by giving you the option to schedule a pickup. They will then come to pick up the mattress and take it to one of their recycling centers.


Ask Your New Mattress Retailer


If you're upgrading, ask your mattress retailer if they participate in any mattress recycling programs for your old mattress. Even if they don't, they may be able to point you in the right direction for how to recycle mattresses in your area.


Sell It


When mattress recycling options aren't available in your area, reselling your old mattress puts money in your pocket while keeping it out of landfills. List it for sale on online marketplaces or garage sales.


Donate


Donating your used mattress is a great way to help someone in need and put it to good use. Many homeless and abuse shelters need mattresses and accept them in decent shape.


Find out where you can donate your mattress here.


Don't Throw Out Your Old Mattress


When upgrading your mattress, don't throw out your old ones. Old mattresses take up space in landfills and take years to break down. Save the earth one mattress at a time by recycling them instead.


How does mattress recycling work? The Mattress Guy can pick up your used mattresses and take them to their designated recycling center. Schedule a residential pickup today.

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