Mattress

According to Rebound in Timaru - 300,000 mattresses per year could be diverted from landfill. Up to 90% of mattress materials can be recovered and recycled including timber, coir, metal and foam. 

The average mattress contains:

• Steel springs – 100% recyclable
• Polyurethane foam – can be recycled into foam carpet underlay
• Coir – a natural product from coconut fibre with various reuse options
• Wood – 100% reuseable or recyclable
• Textiles – currently non-recyclable

(We need an operation like Rebound in the Whanganui region!)

Buying a new mattress (and bed-base) can be a major purchase. Invest in good quality, environmentally-friendly pieces which will last a life-time.

If your mattress (and/or bed base) is in good, clean condition take to a charity/secondhand shop.

All those spring mattresses heading to landfill can be dismantled and put to good use in the garden! With a little wire cutting work, the spring frames can be used as trellises and can be cut in half to make two trellis archways for veggies.

Mattress wadding can be reused too for cushions/ottomans etc. 

If you have the inclination to deconstruct your mattress to reduce waste to landfill, the following items have value:

• Steel springs – 100% recyclable
• Polyurethane foam – can be recycled into foam carpet underlay
• Coir – a natural product from coconut fibre with various reuse options
• Wood – 100% reuseable or recyclable

Take to waste transfer station.