IKEA U.S. to take lead in turning used mattresses into resources

In U.S. each year an estimated 18 million mattresses with box springs are disposed, resulting in approximately 50,000 mattresses a day ending up in landfills across America. With a goal of zero waste to landfill, IKEA U.S. announced recycling all of its used mattresses, this includes old mattresses (any brand) that are picked up when new IKEA mattresses are delivered. As much recycling as possible will take place to keep with its sustainability strategy of ‘waste to resources.’

Some of these mattresses are illegally dumped adding to great landfill waste. IKEA understands mattresses need to be recycled to conserve resources such as steel, foam, and wood that is able to be used in new products.

Lisa Davis, IKEA U.S. Sustainability Manager stated that in keeping with their People and Planet Positive Sustainability strategy, IKEA has decided to take a lead in turning waste into resources. They are committed to securing recycled materials while ensuring key parts of their range are easily recycled – all contributing to a closed loop society.

At a minimum, 80% of a mattress can be recycled. The fabric and foam can be turned into carpet underlay and the felt and cotton can be recycled into new felt and insulation. The wood gets recycled into biofuel or other recycled wood products. While the plastic and steel is recycled by their respective recyclers or turned into new products.

In addition to the sustainability aspect of recycling mattresses, IKEA has also created a community donation program – a campaign called 5,000 Dreams – that focuses on supporting newly arrived refugee families in local IKEA store communities. Through three partner refugee organizations,
IKEA has started to donate beds and bedding – 5,000 in total in the next two years – to refugee families who are making fresh starts with their families.

The three established refugee organizations are the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, the International Rescue Committee and the Ethiopian Community Development Council.