We all have loads of old stuff. But when it comes to bedding, we need to be careful with how we dispose of the old items. You probably have questions. Can you recycle mattress springs? Can you repurpose a foam mattress topper? And on and on.
In this post, we go over these common questions, and answer them! There’s also a helpful list of organizations that accept old bedding that’s in good condition.
So, once you buy your brand new organic mattress and fair trade bedding, remember to dispose of the old stuff responsibly!
Can you recycle mattress springs?
Yes, it is possible to recycle mattress springs. However, the process can be difficult and may not be widely available in all areas.
How spring mattresses are recycled
The recycling process for mattress springs typically involves separating the steel coils from the other materials in the mattress, such as foam and fabric (here’s how to cut up mattress springs). The steel coils are then sent to a facility where they are cleaned and processed for reuse in new products.
One of the challenges in recycling mattress springs is that they are often mixed with other materials, such as foam and fabric, which can make it difficult to separate the steel coils. Additionally, many recycling facilities are not equipped to handle the large size and bulk of mattresses, which can make it difficult to recycle them.
Where spring mattresses are recycled
To recycle your mattress springs, it is important to first check with your local recycling center to see if they accept them and if there is any special process to follow. Some recycling centers may require that the mattress be disassembled and the steel coils removed before they will accept it.
Another alternative is to look for a local mattress recycling facility. These facilities are specifically designed to handle the recycling of mattresses and may have the equipment and expertise needed to recycle the steel coils.
It is also possible to repurpose old mattress springs. Springs can be used for art and craft projects, or for DIY projects such as creating a unique garden trellis or even a unique sculpture.
Can you repurpose a foam mattress topper?
Yes, it is possible to repurpose foam mattress toppers. There are a variety of ways to reuse or repurpose foam mattress toppers, depending on the condition of the foam and your own personal needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:
1 / Make ‘new’ furniture
One way to repurpose a foam mattress topper is to use it as a cushion for seating. For example, you could cut the foam to the size and shape of a chair seat or bench and use it as a cushion. You can also use the foam to make a pet bed, by cutting it to the appropriate size and covering it with a soft, cozy fabric.
2 / Use in DIY projects
Another way to repurpose a foam mattress topper is to use it for padding in DIY projects. For example, you could use pieces of foam to pad the walls of a DIY photo booth, or to make a puzzle play mat for children.
3 / Use as insulation
Foam mattress toppers can also be used as insulation in various projects, such as insulating a drafty window or door, or to line a garden bed to help keep the soil warm.
4 / Use for camping or at the gym
You can also repurpose a foam mattress topper as a camping pad or as a gym mat.
5 / Use in creative craft projects
If you’re feeling creative, you can also use pieces of foam mattress topper to make a variety of craft projects. For example, you could use it to make a soft sculpture, a puppet, or even a piece of wall art.
Handle foam mattress toppers with care!
When repurposing foam mattress toppers, it’s important to keep in mind that foam is flammable and should be kept away from sources of heat and open flames.
Another important thing to consider is that foam is not biodegradable, which means it will take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. Therefore, repurposing it instead of throwing it away is the more sustainable option.
What to do with leftover upholstery foam?
Leftover upholstery foam can be repurposed in a variety of ways, depending on the size and condition of the foam and your own personal needs and preferences.
You can repurpose leftover upholstery foam in the same ways that you can reuse foam mattress toppers, so just scroll up and read the previous section again;)
Look for a foam recycling facility, which can turn the foam into other materials such as carpet padding, or even new foam products. However, these facilities may not be widely available in all areas, so it’s important to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept foam.
Can you recycle old quilts?
Yes, it is possible to recycle old quilts. However, the process can be difficult and may not be widely available in all areas.
The recycling process for quilts typically involves separating the different materials in the quilt, such as the fabric, batting, and thread. The materials are then sent to a facility where they are cleaned and processed for reuse in new products.
One of the challenges in recycling quilts is that they are often made from a mix of different materials, such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers, which can make it difficult to separate and recycle them. Additionally, many recycling facilities are not equipped to handle the large size and bulk of quilts, which, again, can make it difficult to recycle them.
Where to look for quilt recycling
To recycle your quilt, it is important to first check with your local recycling center to see if they accept them and if there is any special process to follow. Some recycling centers may require that the quilt be disassembled and the materials separated before they will accept it.
Another alternative is to look for a textile recycling facility. These facilities are specifically designed to handle the recycling of textile materials and may have the equipment and expertise needed to recycle the quilt materials.
Donating old quilts
A great option is to donate your quilt to a local charity or organization that can use it to provide warmth and comfort to people in need. You can donate it to a homeless shelter, a hospital or a nursing home, or send it to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
Repurposing old quilts
It is also possible to repurpose old quilts. You could use pieces of the quilt to make a variety of craft projects, such as a wall hanging, a tote bag, or a pillow. You could also cut the quilt into smaller sections and use it as a blanket for your pets.
Another way to repurpose a quilt is to use it as insulation, you could use it to insulate a drafty window or door, or to use as a makeshift frost blanket in your garden bed to help keep the soil warm.
Do charity shops take duvets?
Many charity shops will accept donations of duvets, but it is important to call ahead or check with the specific charity shop you plan to donate to, as their policies may vary. Some charity shops may only accept duvets that are in excellent condition, while others may accept gently used items.
Before donating your duvet…
When donating a duvet to a charity shop, it is important to ensure that it is clean, free of any stains or damage, and properly packaged. Duvets should be washed and dried before being donated, and placed in a protective cover or bag.
It is also important to note that charity shops may not accept certain types of duvets, such as feather or down duvets, due to the difficulty in cleaning and sanitizing them. If a shop does not accept feather or down duvets, they can be composted, but this may not be an option for everyone.
Of course, you can also repurpose your old duvets for your pets.
Where to Donate Old Bedding Items
These are among the organizations that accept old bedding that have been washed and are in good condition:
1 // Salvation Army Thrift
2 // Goodwill
3 // American Red Cross GreenDrop
4 // Religious places & Homeless shelters
5 // The Humane Society & other animal shelters
6 // American Textile Recycling Service (ATRS)
7 // TerraCycle
8 // Dart foam recycling facility
9 // Local Centers
In addition to charity shops, there are also organizations that collect donations of bedding and other household items to give to those in need. Some examples include homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and organizations that provide housing for individuals and families who are struggling financially.
It is also worth checking if your local council or municipality has a textile recycling program. Many councils collect textiles for recycling, including duvets, and this is a good option if the charity shops do not accept them.
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends. Thank you!<3
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
NOTE: All brand photographs belong to the respective brands/businesses.
Leave a Reply