Ways to Recycle and Reuse Old Mattresses

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When a new mattress is purchased and delivered, the consumer can usually opt to have the mattress store haul away the old mattress and box spring. There is usually a fee involved, though some Los Angeles mattress stores offer this as a free service incentive to draw in buyers. If the customer does not want to pay a removal fee, there are other ways to recycle old mattresses, mostly be reusing them in whole or in part. Reusing is the best way to recycle materials, and often comes with its own cost benefits.

Of course, many people sell used mattresses at discounted prices. There are many internet sites that allow people to engage in such commerce. However, many people are wary of buying used mattresses, especially in areas where bed bug infestations are on the rise. Donating used mattresses that are in relatively good condition is a great alternative to trying to sell, and many charities that accept used mattresses offer complimentary haul away services. This is often a good opportunity to see what else in the house can be donated so that somebody else can get new use out of it. Many churches that sponsor immigrant families are frequently on the lookout for gently used household items, from large and small kitchen appliances, to clothing, to gently used mattresses.

If the old bed is not in decent enough shape to be donated and the customer wants to avoid adding to the local landfill, alternative uses for used mattresses abound, especially for the materials that they are made of. Fasteners and buttons can be removed from the old item and given to sewers and crafters for repurposing. The foam padding and cotton and poly-fill batting can be removed and used to re-stuff couch cushions or to use in new pillows. These are the materials that make up the comfort layers of the mattress, and also make good packing materials.

Wood from traditional style mattresses and box springs will be gladly accepted for repurposing by people who enjoy building things and fixing things around the home. Chances are good that these same persons would appreciate the donation of the heavy duty steel inner springs, for use in new projects. These springs can be painted and used in creating unique garden art.

That mostly leaves the outer fabric. This can be repurposed for interior decorating projects, or can be shredded and used to make rag rugs or as stuffing for pillows and cushions. If it is from a queen mattress or king mattress, and can be removed in one large piece, the outer fabric can also be repurposed as a drop cloth for crafting and painting. This proves that a bit of creativity can save money on mattress removal fees, and can help save the planet from more waste in landfills that could have been recycled.