Mattress disposal
I read an article in Friday's Globe and Mail about how there is a current mission underway to figure out how to recycle mattresses. Obviously, these giant necessities can't be tossed into your recycling bin and many of us are perplexed as to how to dispose of them. We've all seen those houses where dirty old mattresses occupy the front lawn, and I'm pretty convinced that most would not want to resort to that method of disposal.
According to the Globe and Mail, "hundreds of thousands" of mattresses end up in landfills each year, so there is a pressing need to figure out a proper disposal method.
First and foremost, if your mattress is in decent condition, you can donate it to a charity. If you are buying mattress set from Sleep Country Canada, they'll come and pick up your old mattress set and donate it to a charity. If you don't intend to buy a mattress from Sleep Country Canada, contact the Salvation Army or a local shelter and ask if they need a mattress. This is a much better option than throwing it in the trash.
However, if your mattress is too old and worn to be donated, it's worth investigating how to recycle it. The Globe and Mail states that close to 100 per cent of the materials in the mattress are recyclable. Again, if buying from Sleep Country, they'll pick up your mattress and have it recycled.
Where I live (in Toronto), the city has started a pilot project for recycling large items, such as mattresses.
Now, a note on choosing a mattress. My green guides recommend buying a wool mattress - they're naturally fire resistant (so won't have to be treated with chemical fire retardants). Also, it may be worth looking into a mattress that is padded with organic cotton (grown without pesticides).
Has anyone tried recycling their mattress? Donating it? Have you considered buying an eco-friendly mattress?
Read more:
• Guide to organic and eco-friendly bedding
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June 19th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Hi -
so who can we give mattresses to?
I need to find a charity to donate this one to - it's in great condition and shouldn't be landfill...
help.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Hi,
If you live in Vancouver BC your only two options are:
1) Throw it in the garbage.
2) Use "mattressrecycling.ca"
They will either donate or dismantle your old mattress and over 90% of it will stay out of the dump!
They are also listed with the Recycling Council of BC.
Good Luck!