How Does Mattress Recycling Benefit Us And Our Environment?

by Andrew Lope Business promotion

When 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.