Day 133 – Mattresses and boxsprings are probably one of the hardest thing to donate. Many organizations do not want your old bed. Especially, in this time of COVID, there are health concerns regarding these items. So, more times than not, your only option is to dispose of the mattresses and boxspring. I can not count how many times I have seen these items hanging out in alleys. Waiting for a special pick up from the street and sanitation department, only to be sent to the landfill. If only there was another option.

Thankfully, there is a company in Blue Island, Illinois, named Green Spring Recycling. They will recycle your mattress and boxspring for FREE! All you have to do is get them to their facility.

From their website:

Green Spring Recycling is open Monday-Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM and Saturday 8am-2pm.  Items can be dropped off any time during those hours free of charge. No one is allowed inside the building, or interaction with staff.

Dropoff location:13611 Thornton Road,  Blue Island, Illinois 60406

Look for the big blue water tower.  If you follow the water tower, it is located on our property.  Directly across from the water tower you’ll see 3 loading docks and a metal pallet rack under a sign which reads “Shipping/Receiving”.   Place your used mattress and/or box spring standing upright on the pallet.  Please call 708-262-3749 upon arrival so that staff knows you are dropping off.   No soaked mattresses, no heavily soiled and no bed bugs.  THANK YOU!

They only offer bulk pick-up. Contact them for more information about this service.

The history behind the company is an interesting read and I encourage you to take a few minutes to learn a little more about the company. Through trial and error, they have developed a method to recycle mattresses and boxsprings in an effective way.

“Used bedding is broken down by hand and diverted into different categories of raw material.  Foam is baled and diverted to carpet padding manufacturing processes.  Metal is recycled and diverted to be used for many different processes.   Our suppliers are vast and equally important, consisting of residential home owners, commercial and retail distribution centers, hotel/motel & hospitality, university dorms, and even municipalities for local bulk waste programs.  We provide a variety of solutions for each unique situation, helping to divert mattresses and boxsprings from ending up in a landfill.  By providing employment for locals in the area, and helping divert and recycle used bedding away from landfills, we pride ourselves in helping make a difference in the lives of people and helping keep our blessed earth GREEN.” – Green Spring Recycling

There are other companies out there willing to take your mattresses and boxspring for a cost. One of those being Mattress Disposal Plus, which is affiliated with LoadUp. After my experience with Couch Plus (which is also affiliated with LoadUp), I would not recommend them for any kind of disposal.

So, the next time we are in the market for a new mattress, I will be sure to take a ride out to Blue Island and get the old one recycled.

Tomorrow, the concern over nanomaterials.