Mattress toppers typically last about 3 to 5 years, and when they’ve served you well, it’s helpful to know how you can recycle your old one.
Key Takeaways
- Recycling or repurposing your old mattress topper can reduce waste, save you money, and protect the planet by keeping harmful materials out of landfills.
- Give your mattress topper a second life by giving it to friends or charity, using local recycling services, or contacting the manufacturer for a recycling program.
- Repurpose your mattress topper into creative DIY projects like pet beds, pillows, cushion toppers, bean bag stuffing, lumbar support pillows, or outdoor seating.
So, how do you exactly start recycling or even repurposing your old foam mattress topper? Continue reading or jump to a section to know your eco-friendly options.
Jump to a section:
- Why Should You Recycle or Repurpose Mattress Toppers?
- How to Recycle Foam Mattress Topper
- How to Repurpose Mattress Topper
Why Should You Recycle or Repurpose Mattress Toppers?
Your mattress topper might not be a perfect fit anymore, but don’t toss it just yet!
Recycling or repurposing your topper is an easy win for you, your community, and the planet.
Why It Matters:
- Cut down on waste and keep your topper out of the landfill.
- Save money by finding new uses for it around the home.
- Protect the planet by preventing harmful chemicals from polluting the environment.
- Get creative with DIY projects like pet beds, cushions, or outdoor seating.
How to Recycle a Foam Mattress Topper
Before you think about chucking your old toppers in the bin, consider these 10 ways to recycle old foam mattress toppers:
1. Gift your mattress topper to a friend or family member.
Let your friends and family know that your old mattress topper is up for grabs and is ready for pick-up. It never hurts to ask, and it’s such an easy and quick way to get your item off your hands fast.
And hey—this is also a great way of extending the lifespan of your mattress in an eco-friendly way.
2. Donate your mattress topper to local charity organisations.
Call your local charity, like Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity, to check if they accept old mattress toppers. Donating can be a cheap way to improve beddings at homeless shelters or spruce up an old couch or seating area. Plus, supporting a non-profit organisation is always an admirable act.
3. Recycle your mattress topper by dropping it off or arranging a collection.
Get in touch with your local council to see if they have a service for recycling mattress toppers. They should be able to collect your mattress topper for recycling, or you can make a drop off at their location.
If not, try local recycling centres.
Services in Australia include Soft Landing (available in NSW, ACT, VIC, and WA) and SUEZ (operating in Sydney, NSW) also offer mattress recycling options.
If you’re in New Zealand, Andoo, partnered with All Heart NZ, offers mattress recycling and repurposing options (available in AKL, HAM, Whanga, TGA and Mt Maunganui) and EcoDrop if you’re based in Christchurch.
4. Contact your mattress topper’s manufacturer and ask about a recycling program.
If recycling facilities don’t work out, most manufacturers offer recycling programs for used mattresses and mattress toppers. Send them an email or give them a call, they should be able to get it off your hands.
At Ecosa, we’re all about sustainability—so much so that we created a recycling program to help Aussies reduce, reuse, and recycle at home. While we don’t recycle mattress toppers just yet, we’re more than happy to recycle your old mattress and old bed sheets!
How to Repurpose Mattress Topper
Repurposing your mattress topper is a win-win—it’s a chance to get creative and do something great for the environment. So, if you’re into DIY projects, now’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves!
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
5. Create pet beds for your furry friends.
Yes, your old mattress topper might just save you a few bucks! Cut it up in a smaller size to fit your furry baby. Then, pile them up together to make it fluffier. To make them really soft, stitch some old clothes or fabric to create a casing for it. Your pet will surely appreciate this eco-friendly bed!
6. Make pillows or stuff saggy couch cushions.
Add new accent pillows on your couch or bed by turning your mattress topper into pillows. Simply cut up your topper, then fill a pillowcase or couch cushion cover. Once it’s all fitted, you’ll have soft pillows that look brand new.
7. Turn it into a cushion topper for ottomans and footrests.
You can reuse your old mattress topper to make your ottomans and footrests extra comfy. Figure out the dimensions, then cut your topper to size and wrap it in your favourite fabric. Secure it with staples, fabric glue, or a quick stitch, and your furniture just got a cosy upgrade!
8. Use your memory foam as a bean bag stuffing.
A bean bag is just like a big pillow, right? Chop your mattress topper into small pieces and use them to re-stuff your sagging beanbag. It’s a quick way to upgrade comfort and breathe new life into your favourite chill-out spot.
9. Use it as an outdoor daybed, as a garden bench, or for camping
Take the comfort outside! Use your old foam mattress topper as a cushion for garden benches, a daybed on your patio, or even padding under sleeping bags when camping. No worries about wear and tear—it’s a second life for your topper, and you’ll enjoy the comfort wherever you go.
10. Craft lumbar support pillows for chairs and cars.
Support where you need it most! Cut some of the old memory foam mattress topper into pieces to create custom lumbar or neck pillows. Whether it’s for your desk chair or your car seat, a little extra support can go a long way for your back and neck.
You’ve got all our tips and fun tricks to recycle your mattress topper! If you’re looking to extend the life of your mattress with a new mattress topper, head over to the Ecosa shop to explore our range.