MATTRESS RECYCLING
Old
mattresses pose a particular waste management problem.
Disposing of mattresses is difficult because of their
bulk, and increasing disposal fees can lead to illegal mattress
dumping.
Illegal
dumping of mattresses could lead to hundreds of dollars in
fines, require tax funds to clean up, and lead to insect
infestations. Help
prevent illegal dumping by reporting incidents to local
authorities or environmental protection department.
1.
Millions of mattresses are
landfilled each year and can take up 28 cubic feet of space.
2.
Any mattresses sent to
incinerators are just as difficult to handle.
Mattress springs often damage or get stuck within the
machinery.
3.
Due to the contamination of
water, dirt, wear, illegal dumped mattresses often do not
qualify for recycling.
4.
Local municipalities often
have inconsistent collection practices, which leads to the loss
of qualifying recyclable materials.
Mattresses
are made up of foam, cotton, wood, and steel, all recyclable
materials. Recyclers can recover approximately 80 percent of
materials from a mattress and box spring.
Waste Management Options
1.
Old mattresses that are merely
being replaced can be donated or resold, though businesses may
need to obtain special permission to resell.
Because this option reduces waste entirely, it is the
most preferred option.
2.
Some companies can refurbish
old mattresses by stripping it and replacing the foam, cotton,
and covering. These
companies replace the filling and retain the original springs.
3.
Recycling mattresses involve
recovering, boxing, and baling all mattress materials and
selling them to their respective recycling processors.
Steel and cotton together make up over 60 percent of most
mattresses.
Mattress Recycling Process
1.
Recyclers first remove wood, steel, and cotton from the
mattress. Wood is sold to chippers for use as fuel, and steel is
sold to be melted and used to produce new materials.
2.
Recovered foam is torn, or shredded using special machinery, and
sold for use as insulation or carpet padding.
Considerations
1.
Municipal collection and
processing of mattresses has been proven
costly and difficult. Consistent quality and handling make
recovering materials for recycling a challenge.
2.
Hotels, motels, and apartment
complexes often face the task of disposing leftover or damaged
mattresses. These
types of facilities should consider taking old mattresses to
special mattress recyclers who are equipped to handle the
material.
3.
Businesses who need to dispose
of several mattresses at once often need to hire a hauler, due
to the difficulty of transporting.
4.
Mattress manufacturers could
encourage recycling by establishing an incentive program, or by
taking on responsibility for transporting old mattresses to
private recycling businesses.
5.
Some recyclers can add
mattresses to the materials that they are currently recycling.
Check with your solid waste governing body to inquire
about any special permitting.
6.
Many local governments will
assist with setting up a recycling facility and requesting
special permits.
7.
Recycling mattresses poses a
potential bed bug danger to workers.
-Mark and isolate any discovered infestations.
-Record all prevention methods in place within the
recycling facility.
-Keep a clean work area in the facility, including
docks, vacuums, and delivery vehicle seat
|