When You’re Done Counting Sheep…

Posted by Jessica, BiOH Polyols Marketing Manager on August 18, 2009

While I spend a lot of time talking about ways to make products such as mattresses and furniture more eco-friendly, it is also important to consider what happens to your existing products when you purchase something new. I thought it would be interesting to share some information on mattress recycling for consideration when you make your next mattress purchase.

Let’s start with what’s happening in the industry. The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has a sustainability initiative that has outlined some basic information around more sustainable materials for mattresses and has compiled a list of mattress recycling centers across the U.S. and Canada.  While the list is relatively short today, it continues to grow. Please note that many of these locations may not take mattresses directly from individual households, so call them directly to confirm where/how to drop off an old mattress.

A mattress recycling company in Minnesota, PPL, was recently featured in an article in the Star Tribune. They help break down mattresses so that components such as steel spring coils and polyurethane foam can be recycled. Research is being conducted to find new uses for other mattress components as well. The article cites that PPL works with both county and city recycling centers as well as receives used mattresses from retailer Room & Board. It’s great to know that these programs are happening in my backyard!

If there are no mattress recycling companies near you, there are also other options for your used mattresses. Many retailers offer services and programs to take your used mattresses after a new purchase. HOM Furniture in the midwest will take your old mattress when they deliver your new mattress; they then provide the mattresses to a non-profit -  Bridging. Bridging provides household goods and furniture to families in need… giving a new family some much needed rest! You can find a list of other furniture banks near you if you would like to make a donation of any used products directly.

It’s all about the “Rs” – reduce, reuse, recycle…and my favorite, renewable! What resources have you found for recycling or donating household goods? I’d love to learn more!