In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, dives into an often-overlooked aspect of recycling: mattress recycling.

Joining us is Mike O'Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of the Mattress Recycling Council, who brings over 30 years of expertise in managing solid and hazardous waste collection programs. Mike gives a compelling look into the world of mattress recycling, highlighting the innovative programs in states like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island that recycle nearly 2 million mattresses a year. We’ll also explore the significant environmental impact of these efforts, from reducing illegal dumping to rescuing half a billion pounds of materials from landfills.

You'll gain insights into the Bye Bye Mattress program, learn about the components of a mattress and where they go after recycling, and discover the future of mattress recycling as it seeks to expand into new states and develop new markets for recycled materials. Whether you’re a homeowner wondering what to do with your old mattress, or a sustainability advocate interested in the broader challenges and solutions in recycling, this episode offers valuable information and practical tips.

Join us in transforming recycling anxiety into action and help make a sustainable future possible.

Show Links:

Bye Bye Mattress: byebyemattress.com

Mattress Recycling Council: mattressrecyclingcouncil.org

Keep America Beautiful: kab.org

Greatest American Cleanup: kab.org/greatest

Show Notes:

00:00 Mattress recycling mandated by laws in 2013.

04:25 Return old mattress to retailer for recycling.

09:21 Mattress recycling involves manual and automated methods.

10:00 Material: 20% carpet padding, 50% steel recycling.

13:13 Understanding resource impact, smarter reuse, developing recycling markets.

18:59 Learn how and where to recycle mattresses.

20:08 Visit kab.org for more information.