Mattresses and Box Springs Alternative ways to recycle Take to Transfer Station Don't Just Dump Them Never dump mattresses on the side of the road. Drop them off at a landfill, or dispose of them through a mattress recycling program. It’s expensive for public agencies to pick up illegally dumped mattresses. Alternative Ways to Recycle Take It to a Bye Bye Mattress Location California state law adds a small fee to the sale of mattresses and box springs that is used to fund their collection and recycling. California residents will receive a $3 reimbursement when they recycle them at participating facilities. Learn more or find a collection site near you. Check Earth 911 Check Earth 911 to find mattress recycling locations near you! Simply enter the term “mattresses” and your zip code. The nearest mattress recycling center will pop up. Call for Pick-Up There are a couple of independent companies in California that will pick up old mattresses for recycling, such as Bay Area Recycle. Donate Your Mattress Consider taking a used mattress or box springs to St. Vincent de Paul. They will not resell mattresses for hygiene reasons, but they will recycle them. For more helpful recycling and reuse tips, read “5 Ways to Donate Your Mattress” by AmeriSleep. Ways to Reduce Clean Your Mattress If you invest in keeping your mattress in good condition, you’re more likely to hold onto it long term or find a new home for it when you’re ready for a new one. Follow these tips to remove dust, stains and deodorize your mattress. Flip or Rotate Your Mattress Flipping or rotating your mattress can extend its life and give you a more comfortable sleep experience. Not every mattress can be flipped, but every mattress can be rotated. Learn more from Healthline. Ways to Reuse Sell or Give Away Listing a mattress on Craigslist or Freecycle can save you a trip to the landfill. Old, bulky items can otherwise be difficult or pricy to transport. Did You Know? How Mattresses Are Recycled Fillet the Mattress to Recycle It St. Vincent de Paul employs workers to fillet or cut apart mattresses using a box cutter. These workers recycle approximately 170,000 mattresses per year. Compared to other mattress parts, material from “T” frame steel box springs is generally sold for the most money and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Polyurethane from used mattresses is often recycled into wall foaming.
