Reduce, reuse, recycle mattress? Not always that easy!
As reported by Seattle Times recycling and disposing of used mattresses takes more than the usual effort. For one thing, no one likes to purchase a mattress that someone else has already slept on for years. Even charitable organizations, according to the article, do not encourage used mattress donations. And when waste management companies do recycle them, they would need some time to tear the mattresses apart. Mattresses are constructed tightly precisely so that it won’t easily come apart. Waste management companies would have to make use of really expensive equipment to do so.
In the meantime, the amount of mattresses keep piling up in the landfill.
So what can everyone do to make disposing of mattress easier? The article suggests very practical solutions:
• Support industry and government actions to address the disposal issue. If these efforts someday result in a small “advance recycling fee” when you buy a mattress — a system used for other problem items such as tires and car batteries — think of it as money well spent.
• In the meantime, when you buy a new mattress, consider mattresses made with fewer petroleum products and toxic chemicals. It’s always good to use less of those, and keep them out of the landfill. Search online for “green mattresses” or “organic mattresses.”
• Extend the life of your mattress by maintaining it well. Many manufacturers and retailers recommend that you rotate and flip a new mattress every two weeks for the first six months, then every three months after that. Don’t bend a new mattress or jump on it, and never allow a mattress to get wet
The responsibility of owning a mattress begins with buying. In this day and age, one should always exercise buying power with care. Fortunately for consumers, they are now given a lot of options when it comes to purchasing mattresses. Use that option wisely, and try to conserve the planet in small ways.
via Seattle Times
Tags: disposing-mattress, mattress, MATTRESS News, MATTRESS Organic, MATTRESS Safety, MATTRESS Shopping, MATTRESS Tips, organic_mattresses, recycle-mattress, seattle_times, used-mattress
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