How Does Mattress Recycling Benefit Us And Our Environment?
by Andrew Lope Business promotionWhen
in use, mattresses are highly comfortable, and the recreation that they offer
is of another level. However, they are also perishable, and as time passes,
their quality degrades, and apparently, a time comes when they are no longer
operational. In this situation, replacing them with new ones is the only step.
The problem with disposing is that they are big and bulky and, thus,
complicated to dispose of. Mattress recycling is the only option, as it ensures
that the usable parts inside the mattress are extracted, and the least amount
of garbage or waste part of the mattress is sent to the landfill sites.
People
have different misconceptions and questions in mind regarding the theory of
mattress recycling, and we will discuss the facts that will clear the
confusion, misunderstanding and questions in this post.
How
Recyclable Are Mattresses?
Upon
hearing the term, ‘mattress recycling’, the first question common people ask is
whether this concept is a reality. The fact is that mattress recyclers can
recycle the mattress to the topmost extent. However, the recyclability factor
depends on the materials used in their manufacturing. The more layers, the more
difficult it would be to recycle. With more layers, mattress recycling will
become time-consuming as these layers must be separated before recycling. The
mechanical process also will consume a good amount of time.
For
example, a memory foam mattress is easier to recycle than pocket springs
mattresses. The reason is that pocket springs mattresses need cutting up these
springs, pulling them out and separating different padding layers, and other
individual components are also there to remove.
Can
We Recycle Mattresses?
According
to mattress recyclers, almost all kinds of mattresses can be kept in the
‘mattress recycling’ category, as they contain recyclable foam, metal springs
and white fibre padding components. It is important to understand that no
mattress is 100% recyclable, and mattress recyclers can guarantee to recycle
80% of your mattress.
Global
data collected by the UK's National Bed Federation says that only 19% of
mattresses are recycled globally, and this is a huge concern. The reason cited
by mattress recyclers and also furniture recycling facility owners is that it
is challenging to recycle mattresses and particularly when they are spring
mattresses. Why spring mattresses? Because springs are hard to separate from
soft materials, and as mentioned above, they could consume a good amount of
time.
The
same data has some good news as well that pure foam mattresses have a higher
mattress recycling rate of around 28%. But considering the condition of our
environment and the level of global warming, this number is nowhere near good
enough.
What
Is The Process Of Mattress Recycling?
The
process is otherwise simple with memory foam mattresses, but the real challenge
comes when spring-based mattresses are offered for recycling. The most annoying
period is separating springs, and mostly bigger mattress recyclers have giant
processing machines that crunch through the metal. But this is impossible
without human intervention, and you will need workers to separate the springs
from the mattresses before they are handed over to the shredding machines.
These
machines are powerful enough to handle the whole process, and you will see
cutting and sawing away of the soft materials mechanically. Only the metal and
plastic amalgamation will be left behind, and the recyclable parts will be sent
for further recycling. The remaining waste removal will be sent to landfill sites or
incineration centres.
What
Is The Biggest Harm Of Not Recycling A Mattress?
Mattresses
are not harmful at all to our environment, provided that they are recycled. It
is important to understand that these mattresses have several non-recyclable
and non-biodegradable products, like synthetic fibres and reflex form parts
that are processed with chemicals.
Modern-day
mattresses come with an ‘eco-friendly’ tag and have natural and hypo-allergenic
filling for superior comfort. These natural fillings are wool, cotton, mohair,
bamboo and cashmere, and they are 100% recyclable and have a considerably low
carbon footprint as compared to synthetic materials like polyester and memory
foam.
Memory
foam, in particular, is not bad for our environment at all, but the chemicals
in which it is treated make them very toxic and harmful. These chemicals are
used to make them long-lasting and fluffier. Memory foam is made up of
highly-recyclable polyurethane and without chemical processing; this product is
not harmful to our environment or humans.
What
Steps Are Involved In Mattress Recycling?
The
mattress recycling process begins when the mattress is pushed into a conveyor
belt, where it is cut from top and bottom. Cotton fibres and polyurethane foam
are separated, and the pieces of metals and springs are separated magnetically.
The rest of the mattress is shredded, and the process takes only 3 to 4
minutes. This procedure comes with several benefits that we discuss below.
What
Are The Benefits Of Mattress Recycling?
Those
offering mattresses for recycling achieve higher financial incentives.
The
steel derived from the mattresses is used in manufacturing products such as
roof sheeting.
It
is also used in construction and manufacturing processes.
The
cotton and form part is used for upholstery, furniture and carpet underlayment.
The
wooden frame is recycled into mulch for bedding, kindling and weed
mating.
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Created on Jul 19th 2023 01:46. Viewed 129 times.