JACKSON, Wyo. — Are you losing sleep at night due to the lousy condition of your mattress and even more sleep over the idea of leaving it in a landfill? Now you don’t have to trash your mattress; recycle it! Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling is excited to introduce a new mattress and box spring recycling program.
Teton County is directing locals and businesses to still dispose of their mattresses and box springs at the Trash Transfer Station, but now they will be recycled rather than landfilled. Teton County and the Town of Jackson adopted Zero Waste Resolutions in 2014 and 2015, a goal set to divert 60% of Teton County’s waste from the landfill by 2030. “Mattress recycling is another step on the Road to Zero Waste”, says Brenda Ashworth, ISWR Superintendent. “Working with our partner, Spring Back Utah Mattress Recycling, ensures that up to 95% of mattresses and box springs are re-used. This program has been in the works for a while and ISWR is thrilled to see it implemented.”
Over 30 million mattresses are sent to landfills across the country each year, and bulky mattresses pose several challenges for landfills. They don’t compact well, create flammable air pockets resulting in landfill fires and take decades to decompose.
Teton County’s partner, Spring Back, will deconstruct each mattress and recycle 90 to 95% of the materials. Foam and pillow top layering will be rebounded into carpet padding. Steel will be melted and made into rebar for use in the construction industry. Wood will be repurposed into landscape mulch, biomass fuel, or new wood product. Cotton will be made into “green” home insulation while felt will be used to make moving blankets.
Drop off hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 5400 U.S. Hwy. 89. There is a tipping fee of $26 each for mattresses and box springs. For more information about the program, contact Teton County ISWR at 733-7678 or visit TetonCountyWY.gov/recycle.
