While this sculpture in Germany is actually really cool, we’re pretty sure your old mattress is no work of modern art…and like those finger paintings you did as a kindergartner, it very well could be headed for the trash. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Most mattresses are recyclable! Typical mattresses are made of materials like foam, cotton, and steel springs that can be recycled or repurposed individually. Downside is that many recycling centers don’t accept mattresses because of the potential health hazards (not saying you have bed bugs… but they’re out there) and complexity of dealing with heavy mattresses. Your best option is to first check out your local waste management facility to see if they accept mattresses for recycling or do some quick research to find out if there are any specialized recycling centers in your area.
What parts of a mattress can you recycle?
We’ve called out a few examples, but here’s the downlow on recyclable mattress components:
Steel springs: The metal coils used in innerspring mattresses are typically made of high-quality steel that can be melted down and made shiny and new.
Foam: The foam used in mattresses can be recycled into carpet padding or other foam products. You probably have some recycled mattresses in your home right now… who knew!?!
Cotton and other fabrics: This one is the most versatile (and we’ll say obvious), fabrics used in mattresses can be repurposed as insulation, industrial rags, or new textiles.
Wood: The wooden frames or foundations of some mattresses are also possible to recycle into furniture, frames or firewood.
But watch out, because that doesn’t mean that EVERY part of your mattress is set for a second life. Synthetic fibers or chemicals used in flame retardants could make your recycling dreams the stuff of nightmares.
Check with your local recycling center or waste management facility. Find out what specific materials they accept. This is important when trying to avoid sending your mattress to a landfill.
The issue of fiberglass:
This is a hot topic for new mattresses, but it’s a huge issue for old mattresses too. Fiberglass is a common material used in the construction of mattresses and it is typically used as a flame retardant. However, it is nearly impossible to separate fiberglass from other materials during the recycling process.
When mattresses with fiberglass are shredded, the fiberglass can become airborne and contaminate the recycling facility. This is a scary health hazard for workers and can also damage recycling equipment. In some cases, the presence of fiberglass can make it totally impossible to recycle the mattress, and it may have to be disposed of in a landfill. (It hurts our soul just thinking about it)
We recommend avoiding mattresses that contain fiberglass and choosing fiberglass-free options like the Big Fig Mattress. Bottom line - properly disposing of old mattresses is essential to reducing fiberglass's environmental impact!
Are there national recycling programs?
This one is a bummer, but there is still hope! While there is no coordinated national mattress recycling program in the United States, there are several state and local programs that offer mattress recycling services. Some of these programs are operated by state or local governments, while others are run by private companies, you just have to do a little research on the options in your area.
Here are some cool programs to be aware of:
- Bye Bye Mattress: This one is run by the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), a non-profit organization created by the mattress industry to develop and implement mattress recycling programs in states that have passed mattress recycling laws. The program provides free mattress recycling services to people in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. It also offers support and resources to other states that are developing their own mattress recycling programs.
- Spring Back Utah: No surprises here, this is a non-profit organization that provides mattress recycling services in Utah. But we love that it has the added focus of employing people who usually have trouble getting jobs, like folks with disabilities or criminal records.
- Sleepyhead Beds: This Kansas City, MO area non-profit provides gently used mattresses to children and families in need and recycles the rest.
This is a short list for a reason…not all states have mattress recycling programs, and even in states that do, the availability of services could depend on your specific location. Your best bet is to do a quick search of services in your area and go from there.
What if I don’t live in an area that has mattress recycling?
Ok don’t panic! If you’re all out of recycling options and your mattress is in fairly good condition you can also look into donating your mattress to places like Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Goodwill, your local furniture bank or veterans’ organizations.
OR! (hear us out on this one) if you're feeling handy, you can attempt to recycle your mattress on your own by dismantling it and separating the materials. This one can be a time-consuming project, but it’s totally possible! One quick idea, you can use the foam as cushioning for outdoor furniture or the wood as firewood. You can also get some more ideas on upcycling your mattress in our blog.
Do you have to drop off your mattress at a recycling center?
Don’t worry, this isn’t necessarily all on you to get your old mattress to the right place to be recycled.
- Curbside pickup: Big Fig offers curbside pickup for bulky items such as mattresses (just saying)... or you can check with your local waste management facility to see if this service is available in your area.
- Retailer pickup: Did we mention that Big Fig offers pickup and recycling services for old mattresses when you purchase a new one from them. We offer removal through our partners at LoadUp, you just have to make sure you select this option at checkout.
- Non-profit organizations: Remember all those places we said might take your mattress as a donation? Some of them will even come pick them up for you, but make sure yours is clean and safe (bed bugs are gross).
- Private haulers: Some private companies offer pickup and recycling services of mattresses for a fee. But we’re suggesting you do your research here so you don’t overpay.
Does Big Fig Recycle Mattresses?
While Big Fig doesn’t directly recycle mattresses, we do work with state and local programs to help keep used mattresses out of landfills. Our collaboration with LoadUp allows us to participate in their One Tree Planted partnership, matching every tree they plant with one of our own!
LoadUp's partnership with One Tree Planted is designed to address the environmental impact of junk removal by balancing out the carbon emissions generated by their trucks. For every truckload of junk (or mattress) that LoadUp removes, they plant a tree through the One Tree Planted organization.
The program also helps to combat deforestation, which is a major contributor to climate change. They work on planting trees in areas around the world that have been affected by deforestation or natural disasters. By planting trees, LoadUp, Big Fig and One Tree Planted are helping to absorb carbon from the atmosphere and create new habitats for wildlife.
