Bond and Des Voeux’s partnership with HandUp Mattress Recycling has prompted us to dive deeper into the problem with mattresses. Or rather, the problem with mattress disposal in the United States. With over 9,000 mattress companies worldwide, the sleep industry has a strong foothold in the economy and an impact on the environment. The demand for quality mattresses and sleep solutions will remain and continue to increase as new technological advancements bring about new needs and desires. This means that companies in the sleep industry hold influence over both the sleep economy and its environmental impact.

Imagine if there was a way to get high-quality mattresses for a fraction of the price, promote sustainability, and have a positive social impact. That is where HandUp Mattress Recycling comes in. HandUp’s business model centers on sustainability as a gateway to positive social impact. Their first business venture in mattress recycling and upcycling not only addresses the issue of mattress waste but also creates employment opportunities.

In the United States, over 18.2 million mattresses are thrown away each year. In Massachusetts alone, HandUp estimates that over 600,000 mattresses are disposed of every year.

So how does HandUp’s mattress recycling and upcycling business work?

It starts with understanding why recycling and upcycling mattresses are so important. HandUp emphasizes that the current disposal of mattresses in landfills and incinerators is highly problematic and inefficient. The good news is that Massachusetts will enforce a ban on the disposal of mattresses in landfills as of November 2022. The next step is to decide which HandUp service makes the most sense for you, whether as a town or municipality, business customer, or individual.

How does upcycling differ from recycling?

Mattress recycling involves repurposing mattress parts, such as disassembling the mattress springs or memory foam for use elsewhere. Mattress upcycling refers to reusing mattresses that still have life in them. All upcycled mattresses are carefully sanitized by HandUp and adhere to all Massachusetts regulations. Many of the mattresses that HandUp receives are less than 3 months old, but cannot be sold as new.

When Bond and Des Voeux clients decide to recycle their end-of-life mattresses or upcycle gently used mattresses and box springs, they will go to the HandUp Mattress Recycling shop, where they will be thoroughly sanitized to meet or exceed state and local requirements. This allows HandUp to offer high-quality mattresses and box springs for significantly reduced prices, whilst supporting the most vulnerable communities.