Mattress recycling is the process of dismantling worn-out mattresses and repurposing their materials to reduce waste and environmental impact.
It is possible to recycle your old mattress in the US via local mattress recycling programs. Nearly 1.5 million mattresses are recycled every year, according to the Mattress Recycling Council.
However, this represents less than a 10% recycling rate when you consider that over 18 million mattresses are discarded annually. 14.7 million mattresses a year (81.6%) end up in landfills, based on EPA data.
To help reduce this waste, it is vital to dispose of your mattress responsibly.
This guide covers different mattress recycling options, including local recycling programs, retailer take-back services, and DIY methods, as well as alternative disposal methods like selling, donating, or repurposing.
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You can recycle your mattress by contacting a local recycling or waste collection service, using a retailer take-back program, or doing it yourself.
The following diagram summarizes the recycling options available.
We will now examine each option in more detail.
Mattress recycling programs dismantle your used mattress for you and reuse the constituent parts where possible.
There are several ways to find a facility near you.
If you're planning to buy a new mattress, depending on who you buy from you may have the option of having the retailer remove your old one for you. This is what is known as a take-back program.
Some environmentally friendly mattress companies (such as PlushBeds, DreamCloud, and Saatva) offer a mattress removal service when you buy a new one. Usually, this service is known as take-back or white glove delivery and costs an additional fee, although Saatva includes the service for free.
This is a great option if there are no recycling facilities nearby, or if you want a single point of contact for both delivery and removal.
Make sure you confirm with the retailer that they do recycle the mattresses they collect. You won't be helping the environment if you use a pick-up service that simply takes your old mattress to a landfill.
If you have the time and some basic DIY skills, you have the option of dismantling your mattress yourself. Here is what you need to do.
This is essentially the same process that would be followed by any recycling facility that accepts mattresses. But by doing it yourself, the parts become easier to transport and you can save yourself the pickup fee.
Mattresses are recycled by breaking them apart, separating different materials such as steel, foam, and textiles, and then recycling each material type individually.
Typically, 80-90% of mattress components can be reused. These are some of the different ways in which they can be repurposed.
While recycling is often a convenient option, it may not always be the best disposal method from an environmental perspective. There are other responsible ways to dispose of a mattress if it is still in usable condition.
If you don't want to recycle your mattress, you can choose to sell it, donate it to a good cause, or repurpose it as something else.
If your mattress is still in good condition, it could be used by somebody else and you can still get some money back for it. You can list it for sale on sites like Craigslist or Facebook marketplace, or for free on Freecycle if you prefer.
Your mattress needs to be free of stains and bug infestations, and in a good structural state with no holes, tears, rips, or large indentations.
Be aware that most buyers want to inspect the mattress for any signs of wear and tear before they buy it. Usually, the buyer collects, which saves you the hassle of removing it yourself. You either make a few bucks or help someone out.
If you choose to go this route, be sure to take some pictures of the mattress and include a description of its condition. Be honest about any wear and tear so that potential buyers are aware.
Another option is to donate your used mattress to charities and shelters in your area. In this way, you can help other people, and reduce waste at the same time.
Many charities accept donations of used mattresses, such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Just like the selling route, however, this method is only suitable if your mattress is still usable.
The same criteria apply: make sure your mattress is clean, free of any kind of infestation, and in good structural condition. Charities only accept mattresses that they can resell or reuse.
Be sure to contact the charity ahead of time to see if they accept mattress donations and what their policies are for accepting them.
Repurposing a worn-out mattress allows you to reuse its materials creatively, such as turning it into furniture or insulation.
If you're keen on DIY (or want to try) you can break apart the mattress using the method I described earlier, but instead of recycling you can make use of the materials yourself.
Alternatively, you can try an upcycling project. One great idea is to turn your old mattress into a couch which you can use for guest rooms, dens, or man caves!
Before considering recycling or other methods of mattress disposal, it's worth making absolutely sure that you do need to get rid of your old one.
If you’re unsure whether your mattress needs replacing, watch for the following signs.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to start shopping for a new mattress. When you do, I strongly recommend you choose an organic or eco-friendly mattress and not a synthetic one.
Our guide to the best sustainable mattresses can help you find a recyclable, non-toxic mattress that meets your comfort requirements and fits your budget.
There are two main reasons why it is important to dispose of your mattress properly.
Worse still, many local authorities require you to wrap your mattress in a plastic mattress bag before they are prepared to pick it up! That means that not only the mattress itself but all the plastic cover goes straight to landfill.
It is important to do whatever you can to stop that from happening.
No, if a mattress is infested with bed bugs it is not eligible to be recycled.
Bed bugs don't affect the usefulness of either the wooden frame or the metal springs within a mattress, so it is still possible for at least part of it to be recycled.
