Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Your Mattress in Florida
Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Your Mattress in Florida. Do you have an old mattress that is no longer comfortable, and you’re ready to buy a new bed? If so, it’s time to consider how to recycle your mattress.
Mattresses are one of the most common items in landfills today. Unfortunately, they take up a lot of space and can be very difficult to get rid of due to their weight and size.
Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly ways for you to dispose of your mattress without adding it to a landfill. Recycling your old bed will save you money while keeping harmful materials out of the environment at the same time. Read on to learn how you can recycle your mattress in Florida.
What is a Mattress Recycling Program?
A Mattress Recycling Program is an initiative that allows the public to keep mattresses out of landfills by recycling their old beds into new products or donating them for reuse. Through these programs, mattress manufacturers can reuse the materials in mattresses instead of using new and expensive materials. By participating in these programs, you can help reduce costs for yourself and mattress companies while also helping to save the planet.
Why should I recycle my old mattress?
According to the Cascade Alliance, as many as 55,000 mattresses are disposed of every day. With most winding up in landfills, they say it contributes up to 450 million pounds of waste.
Space isn’t the only issue, though; many beds contain non-biodegradable and sometimes hazardous materials that can seep into public drinking water, putting people’s health at risk.
It’s important to recycle your old bed instead of throwing it in the trash. Doing so saves space in landfills while ensuring any potentially harmful chemicals are kept out of the environment.
How do I recycle my mattress in Florida?
Fortunately, there are multiple avenues for folks in the Sunshine State to recycle an old bed. The best way to do this is by connecting with a local recycling program or donation center.
The Mustard Seed of Central Florida is a great option for those living in the state’s center. The Orlando-based charity accepts donated mattresses for recycling and, according to their site, also provides reports to let you know for sure that your old bed isn’t going to a landfill. Mustard Seed also provides mattress pickup, transportation, and deconstruction to help ease the process and encourage more recycling.
Junk Luggers is a sustainable mattress hauling service located in Sarasota and Manatee County. In addition to picking up the bed, they recycle as much of the item’s materials as possible.
Additionally, a quick Google search can help provide more options for mattress recycling opportunities. However, if you have difficulty finding something in your area, consider looking at the manufacturer’s website. Some eco-friendly companies partner with recycling programs and may accept used mattresses from their brand.
When you buy a bed, some companies offer a White Glove Delivery service in which they set up your new mattress and take away your former one. If you opt for this service, you should confirm with the company that the old mattress will be recycled rather than tossed out.
Can you sell your mattress or give it away as a gift?
Another way to avoid disposing of a mattress is to give it directly to someone else. For example, if you have a family member who needs a mattress, you could let them have it as a gift.
Another option would be to sell the mattress on an online public marketplace. However, there may be specific rules and regulations in your area regarding selling used items, so make sure to do your homework first.
Another thing to consider is the state of the mattress. While someone may accept a used mattress for free, they’re probably less inclined to pay for one unless the bed is only gently-used and still in decent condition.
How can I prolong the life of my mattress?
Another way to help reduce mattress waste is to use your bed as long as possible. Most beds should last an average of about seven years, but with proper care, you could extend their lifespan. Plus, since mattresses cost a significant amount of money, you’re getting more use out of your investment.
Purchase a good mattress that will last! Here is a helpful mattress recycling guide: https://www.sleepjunkie.com/mattress-buying-guide/
One of the best ways to ensure that your mattress stays in good shape is to rotate it regularly. Ideally, you should rotate the item four times a year.
Purchasing a good mattress protector should also help your bed stay in mint condition. The protector will keep the mattress from becoming soiled or dirty due to issues like dust mites, spills, or sweat.
Another helpful tip is to regularly clean your mattress. You should aim to do a deep cleaning at least twice a year, but if you’re extra diligent, you could also clean it once a month or every few months.
