What Parts of a Mattress Can Be Recycled?

Parts of A Mattress That Can Be Recycled

1. Steel Springs

Traditional innerspring mattresses are made up of hundreds of steel coils— this is its main support core. These springs are what provide its firm foundation, shape, and overall durability. 

Steel is a highly recyclable material and can be dismantled from a mattress through a process called magnetic separation. Once extracted, steel can be melted and repurposed into new steel products like tools, building materials, or even brand-new springs for different products. In fact, steel recycling saves approximately 60-74% of the energy that would be used to create new steel from raw materials.

2. Foam

Foam layers are found in all types of mattresses, including memory foam, polyurethane foam, and latex foam. This mattress material is responsible for the body’s shape, cushioning, and comfort. It varies in density and thickness, depending on the level of support. 

Foam can be compressed and often repurposed into moving pads, carpet underlays, or re-bonded into foam products for different industrial uses. Some foam types can also be converted into energy in waste-to-energy facilities. They are broken down and used as a fuel source by a process called pyrolysis or thermal depolymerization.

3. Fabrics and Fibers

The outer fabric of mattresses is often made from either cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. This is what encases the internal mattress components for protection, while also providing a clean and finished look. 

Many types of fabrics and fibers are recyclable. They can be stripped down from the mattress and be made into industrial clothes, building insulations, padding, and many more. Most fabrics are recycled by a shredding process, which then makes it ready for secondary uses.

4. Wood

Wood frames are often found in box spring mattresses, rather than the mattress itself. It is what provides a base for[ the springs and ultimately enhances the structure of the foundation. Wood, at its core, can be chipped and used for landscaping as mulch. It can also be recycled to become animal bedding in farms or as biomass fuel in energy production. 

5. The Box Spring Foundation

The overall box spring foundation includes the wooden frame, and sometimes, the metal components (depending on the manufacturer). It acts as the second layer of shock absorption, adding to its value and lifespan. 

Besides the wood, metals from the springs within the mattress’ box spring can be similarly recycled.

6. Other Additional Components

Mattresses are not all made the same. Some have additional elements such as buttons, air vents, or even small plastic and metal parts used in the construction process. 

As you can see, there are many valuable resources that are found inside your used mattresses—ready to be transformed into new products. By recycling these parts, you reduce the need to extract and process new raw materials and ultimately lowers pollution and energy consumption. 

How Can You Recycle Your Mattresses?

Mattress recycling can be done by taking it to a specialized recycling facility or arranging a pickup with a local recycling service like The Mattress Guy. Some retailers may also offer take-back programs where they handle the recycling process of your old and used mattress upon delivering a new one.