| When a new mattress is purchased and delivered, | | | | to the local landfill, alternative uses for used |
| the consumer can usually opt to have the | | | | mattresses abound, especially for the materials |
| mattress store haul away the old mattress and | | | | that they are made of. Fasteners and buttons |
| box spring. There is usually a fee involved, though | | | | can be removed from the old item and given to |
| some Los Angeles mattress stores offer this as | | | | sewers and crafters for repurposing. The foam |
| a free service incentive to draw in buyers. If the | | | | padding and cotton and poly-fill batting can be |
| customer does not want to pay a removal fee, | | | | removed and used to re-stuff couch cushions or |
| there are other ways to recycle old mattresses, | | | | to use in new pillows. These are the materials |
| mostly be reusing them in whole or in part. | | | | that make up the comfort layers of the |
| Reusing is the best way to recycle materials, and | | | | mattress, and also make good packing materials. |
| often comes with its own cost benefits. | | | | Wood from traditional style mattresses and box |
| Of course, many people sell used mattresses at | | | | springs will be gladly accepted for repurposing by |
| discounted prices. There are many internet sites | | | | people who enjoy building things and fixing things |
| that allow people to engage in such commerce. | | | | around the home. Chances are good that these |
| However, many people are wary of buying used | | | | same persons would appreciate the donation of |
| mattresses, especially in areas where bed bug | | | | the heavy duty steel inner springs, for use in new |
| infestations are on the rise. Donating used | | | | projects. These springs can be painted and used |
| mattresses that are in relatively good condition is | | | | in creating unique garden art. |
| a great alternative to trying to sell, and many | | | | That mostly leaves the outer fabric. This can be |
| charities that accept used mattresses offer | | | | repurposed for interior decorating projects, or can |
| complimentary haul away services. This is often a | | | | be shredded and used to make rag rugs or as |
| good opportunity to see what else in the house | | | | stuffing for pillows and cushions. If it is from a |
| can be donated so that somebody else can get | | | | queen mattress or king mattress, and can be |
| new use out of it. Many churches that sponsor | | | | removed in one large piece, the outer fabric can |
| immigrant families are frequently on the lookout | | | | also be repurposed as a drop cloth for crafting |
| for gently used household items, from large and | | | | and painting. This proves that a bit of creativity |
| small kitchen appliances, to clothing, to gently used | | | | can save money on mattress removal fees, and |
| mattresses. | | | | can help save the planet from more waste in |
| If the old bed is not in decent enough shape to be | | | | landfills that could have been recycled. |
| donated and the customer wants to avoid adding | | | | |