You can simply dump your old mattress in the landfill and be done with it. But the story of your mattress will be far from over. It will continue to lie in the landfill for hundreds of years; seeping toxins into the soil and the groundwater. It will continue to clog the disposal site for centuries. You can prevent all this by simply recycling your mattress.

You can take the mattress to a recycling center or hire professionals for the job. Many junk removal companies also offer mattress disposal services. You can find one such reputed company in your area to dispose of your mattress properly and in a hassle-free manner. Search for local mattress disposal companies by conducting online searches using the right keywords. For instance, use mattress recycling Austin for finding such services in the city.

Professionals will recycle the mattress as per the local regulations. Hiring professionals will also save you time and money in handling the task by yourself. It is not easy to lift and haul a mattress out of the house. You will most definitely need assistance with the task. You will also need a truck or a dumpster to carry the mattress to the recycling center. So, it is best to leave the job to professionals.

The Problem with Dumping Mattresses in Landfills

A mattress can consist of components such as synthetic fibers, foam, coir, springs, metal parts, wood, and chemicals. These components can release toxins into the air, soil, and groundwater. For as long as the mattress will remain in the landfill (remember, for hundreds of years); it will continue to release toxins into the environment.

The chemicals can pollute the groundwater, which will harm plants, animals, and of course the humans too. The chemicals from the mattresses can also reach the bodies of waters and harm aquatic life. Small fibers from mattresses can also eventually find their way to water sources. Animals and fish can even choke on these fibers.

Mattresses can also contain insect repellants and fire retardants. The exposure to external elements such as sunlight and air help the volatile compounds to turn into gas forms and mix easily with the air.

These chemicals are harmful compounds that can even reach the ozone layer and contribute towards its depletion. The air near the landfills will also be, thus, heavily polluted with chemicals.

Mattresses can also clog the landfills with their sheer size and non-biodegradable components. There is limited space in landfills. If you can recycle something; they need not go to the dumping grounds.

For these reasons, there are stricter laws regarding dumping mattresses in landfills. You might need to pay fines if you go against the regulations.

Recycling Mattresses – the Right Step

Most components of a mattress can be recycled. The process helps to keep mattresses out of landfills. The same components can be repurposed and reused in different ways.

Fabric – be it synthetic or natural – can be used to make any other item requiring textiles. Foam can be reused for oil filters, carpet padding, stuffing the upholsteries, and to make mats. Wood from the box spring can be reused as fuel elsewhere. It can also be used to make mulch, compost, or used for flooring purposes. Metal parts can be recycled and reused in the construction industry and to manufacture tools and automobile parts.

You can even donate the mattress to organizations that accept such items. If your mattress is in good enough condition, it can be used by the needy for some years to come at least.

To recycle mattresses properly, you will need to find a good recycling center. If you do not have one in your vicinity or if you do not have the time to do it by yourself; it is best to hire a reputed local mattress disposal company for the job. These companies will find suitable recycling centers to discard your mattress. It can also be donated as it is depending on its condition.

But whatever the next step for your mattress; it will be in the right direction if you choose professionals for the job. You need to keep your mattress out of the landfill to do your bit for the environment.