In cities outside of the Lower Mainland, most mattresses aren’t recycled, and end up in landfills. But did you know that old beds, even if they seem like junk to you, can have interesting uses for them? This blog post will suggest several ideas for how to use your old bed in new, creative ways. Who knows, you could even turn your old bed into something new!
1. Give the mattress away to someone who needs it.
One of the easiest way to avoid landfilling your old mattress is by giving it away. We recommend only doing this for mattresses that are clean. You’d be surprised to see who would pick your old bed up. Speak with friends, coworkers, community members, or even ask your local college or university with dorms to pass on the word that you have an old bed to give away.
Often, we throw away mattresses long before they should be discarded. Some two-sided mattresses can even be, in fact, used longer just by flipping it over! As a general rule, a mattress, kept in good condition, can be used for up to 8 to 10 years before replacing. If you find yourself replacing one before the time is up, consider giving it away to someone who needs it.
2. Upcycle an old crib frame.
For every new family with children, there’s bound to be a crib lying around somewhere at home. If you find yourself with an unused crib, there are several ways to repurpose it for reuse. This way, you can avoid dumping the frame in a landfill.
Some ways to upcycle it:
– Turn the crib frame into a wall shelf to hang your odds and ends
– Use the frame as a picture display case over your office desk
– Convert your crib rails into behind-the-closet-door organizers
It’s super easy to turn an old crib frame into a ‘Reminder Wall’ for a home office. Clip notes, photos, reminders, and coupons on the frame.
3. Build a Bird Nest out of Bed Springs.
Did you know that bed springs can look and feel cozy for nesting birds? If you have a backyard with trees in your home, consider bundling bed springs into cozy nests for birds in your backyard. Mattresses also have other materials that can be inviting for birds, such as foam and polyester filling. Once birds nest in your backyard, you’ll get to enjoy the chirping sounds of joy from these little nesters.
4. Turn bed springs into trellis for your garden.
As your children outgrow their cribs, consider turning the springs from the crib mattress into trellis for your garden. This way, you can save money from buying trellis from your local garden store. The springs can be supported with the help of a wooden stake. The stake could also be fashioned out of a wooden mattress frame if you have the tools to make one.
5. Compost your mattress.
What many people don’t realize is that if you take a mattress apart, there are many materials in them that can be composted in your own home. It might sound odd to strip it apart in your home, but consider this if there isn’t a sustainable disposal option in your area – such as a mattress recycler. If you find yourself in this situation, you can easily compost polyester filling, foam, and other materials such as the bed frame if it is made out of wood or fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, any of your old junk, such as mattresses, can become someone else’s treasures. It can too be reused in your home for a variety of purposes, including decor or for gardening. We hope these tips give you inspiration. Who knows – after this, you may never see your bed the same way again!
Let us know on Facebook and Twitter what interesting ways you’ve reused an old mattress.
Canadian Mattress Recycling Inc. is a recycling centre located on Annacis Island, Delta BC. Since 2011, we have helped Metro Vancouver residents recycle over 25 million lbs of mattresses and furniture. We have also supported over 90+ organizations through donations and our blogging efforts. Read about the other organizations we have supported in the past.
