Mattress Recycling

Mattresses that would otherwise end up in landfills can now be recycled.

Mattress recycling options for businesses

Business operators can recycle mattresses through PPL Industries Second Change Recycling Program. Please see the Mattress Recycling brochure or call 612-332-0664 for more information on PPL Industries Second Chance Recycling Program for mattresses.

Recycling mattresses can make a huge difference in easing the burden your business places on the environment.

Mattress recycling options for residents

• Mattresses and box springs are accepted for recycling at the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park for a fee of $15 for each piece. See the A to Z How-to-Get-Rid-of-It Guide for more information. 
• Minneapolis residents can recycle mattresses for free curbside. Visit the City of Minneapolis’ website  for preparation instructions.

Why are mattresses a problem in the waste stream?

Mattresses and box springs are problematic in the waste stream because they are hard to move, clog up equipment and are nearly impossible to compact in a landfill.

About 160,000 mattresses are purchased each year in Hennepin County by residents, the hospitality industry, and institutions, according to the International Sleep Products Association. Most of those mattresses end up in landfills.

How does the recycling process work?

A variety of parts adding up to more than 80 percent of a mattress can be recycled. The mattresses are disassembled to the base elements - steel, foam, cotton, wool shoddy, wood and fabric. Commodities are baled and sold for reuse in other product manufacturing.

Businesses can either self-haul mattresses to the PPL Industries facility or hire a waste hauling company to deliver them to PPL. A fee of $15 per mattress or box spring is assessed.

PPL Industries will create up to 30 full time jobs through this program for adults with social and economic barriers to steady mainstream employment. All disassembly of mattresses is done in Minneapolis. The facility can handle about 40,000 mattresses every year.