Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Spring is here, making it the perfect time to engage in the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. As you declutter your home and decide what's worth keeping, remember that not everything should end up in the trash.
Take your old mattress, for example, and consider exploring how it can be reused or recycled instead of sending it to a landfill. With the right approach, you can positively impact the environment while creating a cleaner and more organized home.
Why your mattress shouldn't go to the landfill
Millions of mattresses are discarded annually in the United States. These bulky items take up a significant amount of landfill space — up to 40 cubic feet each. Mattresses are composed of slow-decomposing materials and can release harmful chemicals as they break down, posing severe environmental and health risks. The traditional "out of sight, out of mind" disposal method is neither sustainable nor kind to the planet.
A sustainable solution: Spring Back Utah
Enter Spring Back Utah. This non-profit company aims to transform how people think about used mattresses. By recycling up to 95% of the materials from each mattress that arrives at their warehouse, Spring Back Utah is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
What happens to these old mattresses? Each mattress is deconstructed and sorted. The metal springs are reborn as rebar that strengthens Utah's roads. The wood foundations find new life as chips for children's playgrounds. Even the soft pillowtop layers are repurposed into carpet padding. Each component of your discarded mattress serves a new, valuable purpose instead of contributing to landfill mass.
Since reuse is the best form of recycling, before disposing of your old mattress, consider donating it if it's still in good condition.
Jeff Jewett, co-founder of Spring Back Utah, stresses the importance of donating. He says, "If you bring in a mattress that's still in good condition, we'll reuse it. We work with The Road Home, Volunteers of America, and Rescue Mission to donate mattresses to people transitioning to housing after completing various programs. In the last year, we've given away over 1,000 mattresses, providing much-needed comfort and stability to those who need it most."
Learn more about how Spring Back Utah's recycling initiative is helping those in need.
Convenient disposal options
Understanding the busy lives of today's households, Spring Back Utah offers several flexible options to dispose of your old mattress. If you're ready to say goodbye to that worn-out sleeper, here's how you can do it.
Home pickup
Schedule a pickup right from your doorstep. You can leave your mattress outside, and the Spring Back team will handle it from there. This curbside service is perfect for those who prefer a quick, no-fuss disposal method. Pickup is available Tuesday through Saturday.
In-home removal
For those who need a bit of extra help, Spring Back Utah also provides in-home removal services. If moving your mattress to the curb is challenging, their team will come inside and carefully remove it for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Warehouse drop-off
If you'd instead bring your mattress in, Spring Back Utah welcomes drop-offs directly at their warehouse. This option is ideal for those passing by the area or who prefer handling things on their own time.
Additionally, if you purchase a mattress from RC Willey, opt for the Deluxe Delivery option, which offers convenient delivery and haul-away services. Their team members will set up your new mattress and take care of your old one. The old mattress is then taken to Spring Back Utah's warehouse, where it will be properly recycled or donated.
With these convenient options, responsibly disposing of your old mattress has never been easier. Choose the method that best fits your schedule and contribute to a sustainable future, one mattress at a time.
Make a difference this spring
As you refresh your home this spring, remember that even your old mattress can have a second act. By recycling with organizations like Spring Back Utah, you're not just cleaning up your space — you're helping clean up the planet and contributing directly to your community. Make sustainability a part of your spring-cleaning ritual, proving that what's suitable for your home can also benefit the Earth.
