A huge majority of the mattresses being discarded are made of inorganic materials that take decades to naturally recycle or degrade. On top of that, mattresses contain other harmful substances, such as bleaches and dyes, that also contribute significantly to pollution.
Such inorganic chemicals and materials are harmful both to animals, humans, and plants. Landfill sites are only temporary solutions to these problems. The real and most reasonable way of dealing with such issues is proper recycling.
Luckily, some companies today offer such services. Recyc-Matelas mattress removal and recycling services are among the best in this regard.
Let’s find out more about the actual process in detail.
The Recycling Process
Recycling mattresses basically involves breaking them down into small pieces so that they can be used for other purposes. Or, it involves processing them chemically and extracting substances that can be used in making other materials.
However, a mattress involves more than just foam. Here are the basic parts of the mattress that are and must be recycled.
- Metal Springs
Usually, the metal parts, no matter what metal they are made of, are melted down. The molten metal is then used for making other products and scraps.
- Wadding
It refers to the filling of the mattress. Recycling the wadding depends upon the type of material used in the wadding. Polyester wadding can be recycled and the fiber extracted from it can be used in the fiber bending industry.
The wadding can also be used in making cushions. Depending on the material and process, the wadding of mattresses can be re-used in many soft assortments.
- Foam
Before recycling, it is absolutely crucial to wash the foam thoroughly. Old mattresses are full of dust, contaminants, and even bed bugs. The foam can then be used as alternative carpeting. The foam can also be used in making cushions.
- Mattress Covering
Mattress covering can also be used in a variety of ways. However, most people prefer processing them as refuse fuel because the covering is usually heavily contaminated.
Conclusion
Each year millions of mattresses are bought, and millions are discarded. More than half of the mattresses that are being discarded are discarded in unhealthy ways.
We all know that mattresses take a huge amount of space, which is why discarded mattresses contribute to billions of feet of landfills. If the old mattresses aren’t processed thoroughly they can significantly contribute to pollution.
Some elite companies today help people recycle old mattresses. You can also recycle them at home by re-purposing them.
