If everyone threw their 40 cubic feet mattress in a landfill, we would have a SERIOUS problem. Reports have shown around 15 to 20 million mattresses are discarded every year, equaling around 132,000 square miles of landfill space.
This is why mattress owners in the U.S. are encouraged to get rid of their old mattresses using alternative means. I have some great tips for donating, recycling, reselling and reusing old or used mattresses to make you part of the solution!
Unwanted item removal companies
These specialists are widely available and include national companies that serve households across the country. Due to the recent emphasis on landfill conservation and green disposal methods, these companies will often attempt to recycle or donate used mattresses before sending them to the dump.
Process:
- Check your warranty for any offer complimentary buy-back and/or disposal services through the warranty.
- Calculate the weight to estimate the cost.
- Research national and local junk removal services available in your area and perform a cost comparison for all viable options. Note that some companies charge an additional fee for home-based pickups, on top of the per-item removal costs.
Renown companies:
1-800-GOT-JUNK
- This company will remove any old household goods and furnishings, including mattresses. Simply call the number (800) 468-5865 and set up a time for a uniformed truck team to visit your residence. 1-800-GOT-JUNK offers upfront, all-inclusive pricing based on the overall volume of all removed items. The company will accept mattresses with bed bugs if the customer gives advanced notice.
Load Up
- This company will remove any/all household goods and operates nationwide. They offer very competitive pricing, operate in all 50 states, and have terrific customer service making them a solid choice if junk removal is your best bet. They will remove mattresses with bed bugs if customers give advance notice
Recycling Your Mattress
Most of your mattress is made out of recyclable materials, all you have to do is locate the nearest recycling center that accepts them. A quick Internet search using your zip code will most likely yield at least one location within reasonable driving distance. Both ByeByeMattress.com and Earth911 offer online aggregators that allow you to search for recycling centers accepting certain household goods (such as mattresses) in your geographic area.
There is a slight fee for recycling your old mattress, which may be more if you require pick-up services as well. The criteria for acceptable mattress donations will vary by organization. Most centers will not allow you to donate a mattress that is wet, stained or infested with bed bugs. However, broken or torn mattresses can usually be donated. Money from these fees are used to:
- Purchase containers and materials used at collection sites
- Transport mattresses to collection sites
- Facilitate recycling and collection events
- Provide incentive payments to designated recycling center personnel
Recyclable components of mattresses include the springs, foam, upholstery, wooden parts and the box spring.
Donating your old mattress
If your mattress is still good for more sleeps, you should consider donating it. There are companies listed below that take used mattresses or parts from them.
Goodwill
They currently only accept mattress pads, bed frames, bedding and linens. Though they operate more than 3,200 thrift stores and donation centers across the country; in 2015, roughly 85% of revenue generated from donated goods was used to expand the organization’s professional development and community outreach programs.
Habitat for Humanity International
This charity provides sustainable and affordable living accommodations for people in need. The organization accepts a wide range of gently used household good and furnishings, including mattresses. HFHI sells donated goods at ‘ReStore’ home improvement centers located across the country. To donate a mattress to HFHI, contact the nearest ReStore facility and let them know you have a mattress to donate. You may drop off the mattress in person or some locations offer free furniture pickup, as well. Habitat for Humanity may not accept mattress donations in some locations.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers free furniture pickup services for mattress donations in certain locations; goods may also be dropped off in person at any location that receives used goods. Mattresses must be in good shape and free of tears, burns, and other types of damage. Please note that the Salvation Army may refuse to accept mattresses in certain states or municipalities.
Furniture Bank Association of America
This entity provides home furnishing discounts to individuals and families living in poverty. The association operates nearly 80 donation centers in North America. Households are welcome to donate old mattresses to the FBA, although pickup services are limited to a 15-20-mile radius of the nearest bank’s brick-and-mortar location. The association will make exceptions for large commercial or institutional donations; banks will usually drive up to three hours for these furniture pickups, and some banks have large semi-trailers capable of traveling up to 450 miles for large donations.
Self-disassembly
Want to do it yourself? Here are some common components and what you can do with them.
Steel
The average mattress contains 25 pounds of steel, most of which is found in the springs. Steel can be melted down to create a wide range of parts and products. Simply remove all springs and other steel parts from your mattress, then bundle them together and sell them for scrap. You can locate scrapyards and rates will vary by location but expect to earn roughly $10 for 100 pounds of scrap metal. Just be sure to be wary of any many sharp parts that can cause bodily injury.
Fibers & Foam
Most mattresses include a mix of natural and non-natural that can be recycled. Like foam, mattress fibers can also be reused to make padding or insulation. The polyurethane foam in mattresses can be shredded and repurposed around the house for carpeting, car seat cushions, pillows, pet bedding and other types of padding. Memory foam and latex foam can be reused in a similar fashion.
Wood
In addition to firewood, this wood can be shredded and used as a gardening or lawn mulch. Buttons, braiding and other decorative features can be repurposed for DIY sewing projects and other household designs. Nails, screws and other small metal parts in reasonable condition can be removed from the mattress and reused for various household projects.
DIY solutions
Finally, let’s look at some fun, creative ways to repurpose your old or used mattress.
- Make your old memory foam mattress into a comfy bed for your dog or cat.
- Foam padding can be used in plush household items like bean bags, pillows, etc.
- Use your durable fabric upholstery of an old mattress for rugs in your foyer, garage, shed or utility room.
- Decorate the Holiday season right with mattress springs as metal wreath displays and tree ornaments.
- You can even use your old mattress as the canvas for a painting or other art project.
- Green Diary suggests using old mattress components to improve your backyard compost pile. Simply construct a sturdy compost bin using the wooden slats, and then scatter mattress stuffing and fibers around the compost to protect it from pests.
Submitted March 11, 2019 at 07:27PM by StevesBedBets https://ift.tt/2CiWYRr
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