Mattresses can be dangerous to the environment when they are thrown in landfills. They create flammable air pockets and also can absorb hazardous chemicals that are harmful to the Earth. Also, mattresses are not biodegradable and take up a major amount of landfill area. This is why recycling mattresses is so important.
Parts of the mattress that can be recycled:
- Steel inner springs: Most of the materials used in these innersprings are composed of recycled steel material that can be recycled once again.
- Mattress foam: These foams can be ground up and recycled into a variety of useful things such as the padding under wall-to-wall carpet.
- Foundation/Box spring wood: The wood used for box springs/foundations is then made from those parts of a tree that cannot be used for construction lumber.” Once recycled, this wood has many uses ranging from biomass fuel to animal bedding.
- Fabrics: Most of the fabrics used in mattresses are composed of renewable plant and animal fibers.
Our Mattress Deconstruction Process
Pillow top
To remove the pillow top, use a utility knife to cut around the mattress at the top seam, fold up the pillow top, then place into the appropriate recycling pile.
Edging
Without tools, remove by pulling all the edging from the mattress, then place into the appropriate recycling pile.
All other materials
Remove all other materials such as foam and cotton from the mattress, separate the materials, fold each, then place into the appropriate recycling piles. Flip & repeat steps 1-3 on the other side of the mattress.
Steel Rods
Use bolt cutters to cut the steel rods, pull the steel rod completely free, repeat on the other corners, and gather up all steel to deposit at the metal bailer.
Sort & Recycle
With all materials sorted, each will be either sent out for recycling or sold.