Disposing a bulky mattress is not as easy as one may think. It is estimated that more than 18 million mattresses end up in landfills every year. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of them is recycled and the rest is left out. This contributes to more harm for the already suffering planet. The following blog hereby discusses the different approaches for sustainable mattress disposal in London. Also, it lists the benefits one can obtain through recycling mattresses.

What are the Benefits of Mattress Recycling?

Recycling is a great approach when one thinks of mattress disposal in London. Some of the benefits associated with this are:

• Protects the planet from further harm

When old mattress components are recycled, it gives purpose to the otherwise unwanted items. This reduces overburdening of landfills and promotes a cleaner planet. Through reusing materials like metal, plastic, foam etc. one can create DIY items. This improves the aesthetic beauty of living space and minimizes greenhouse emissions.

• Cuts down unnecessary costs

Purchasing a new mattress is costly. When it is recycled through donation or reselling, sufficient amount is saved. Moreover, this is also beneficial for the needy people. They can use the old one instead of buying a new one. Such sustainable practices.

• Promotes health of citizens

When old mattresses are dumped openly, it becomes a breeding place for potential diseases. Moreover, mattresses accumulate dust particles, harmful microbes etc. as they decompose. This can lead to several health troubles like lung problems, allergies, asthma and many more.

• Uplifts the local economy

Recycling industry helps to strengthen the local economy by creating jobs. Thus, more and more people are incorporated in this sector, helping to mitigate unemployment issues. Moreover, a sense of self-sufficiency is promoted.

Mattress Recycling – How does it work?

The following steps give a comprehensive idea of mattress recycling. They are as follows:

• Booking: First, one has to book a professional rubbish clearance company (after thoroughly its services). Thereafter, a time slot is provided by the company people for timely collection.
• Collection:Next, the old mattress is collected by a professional clearance team. The common collection facilities are: curb side pickup, drop off points, take back etc.
• Upcycling:This is the last step when the collected mattresses are taken to a suitable recycling centre. Thereafter, they are broken down into component parts. Typically, the metal springs are removed and remoulded into new items. Similarly, the wooden parts and other biodegradable substances are repurposed.

How can one Recycle old Mattresses Efficiently?

• Donating

It is a wonderful approach to benefit the community and environment. If the mattress is in good state and working well, one can easily donate it. In this way, one frees up unnecessary space plus achieves a cleaner planet. However, before donating, just check once if the mattress has any structural defect, tears, stains or not. Also make sure that it is free from insect infestation and foul smell.

• Reselling

It is a very good option to recycle old mattresses. This is preferrable particular for those individuals who frequently upgrade their belongings. Now-a-days, there are many online platforms, facilitating resale of second-hand items. One can easily contact potential buyers through these sites, thus making the disposal process faster.

• Repurposing  

This involves transforming old mattress components into new productive items. Undoubtedly, it is a great way to showcase off creativity. Typically, mattresses are made up of a variety of materials like metal bearings, foam stacks, fabric, wood etc. If one is creative enough to utilize these for DIY craftworks, it can significantly cut down environmental pollution.

Disadvantages of using Traditional Mattress Disposal Method

Traditional mattress disposal incudes discarding of old mattresses directly into open landfills. Some of the major disadvantages are discussed below.

• Adds garbage to the already filled dump grounds

Mattresses are heavy objects and usually take up a large amount of space when discarded. This leads the landfills to become over-congested. Additionally, these objects do not decompose easily and take several decades to fully break down.

• Promotes exploitation of natural resources

Mattress components are usually made of metals, wood, cotton fabric etc. When these are not optimally recycled, it increases the need for extraction of raw materials. This in turn depletes the reserve of natural resources.

• Release of harmful chemicals

Mattresses do not degrade by themselves and often require years to decompose fully. During this period, various toxic chemicals like heavy metals, organic compounds are released. These contaminate the surrounding ecosystems and risk the lives of human beings those who depend upon them.

• Causes greenhouse gas emissions

Dumping of mattresses releases a lot of greenhouse gases, for example: methane. These emissions lead to increase in carbon footprint and cause sufficient harm to the planet.

Common DIY Tips Associated with Mattress Recycling

Some common methods to repurpose the trash components of an old mattress are:

• Recycling the scrap metal: The metallic parts can be removed and sold to a certified scrap dealer. Apart from steel components, they also collect fabric, foam etc.
• Building creative projects: The extracted foam and cotton present in old mattresses are useful for making creative stuffs. Foam stacks can be shredded into small pieces for building pillows, shock absorbers, bedding for pets and so on. Also, it can be used for cleaning tiles and window panes.
• Gardening purposes: The wooden components of old mattresses can be used for building garden beds. Also, wood shavings act as a great manure for plants and can be used for mulching. Alternatively, wooden blocks also build great compost bins.
• Beautifying interiors: The metal coils or springs of old mattresses can be melted down and remoulded into useful items. Some examples of such items are plant holders, decorative showpieces, ornaments etc.

Conclusion

There are several professional trash clearance companies in London that provide cost-effective facilities. Moreover, they can also offer same day rubbish removal services on request. Thus, if you require immediate mattress disposal, feel free to contact any of those.