Before 2020, around 14,000 mattresses were disposed of at the R&E Center annually. At the R&E Center, mattresses are shredded to recover metals, with the remaining material either processed into refuse-derived fuel or landfilled.
R&E began developing strategies in 2020 to collect mattresses before they arrive at the R&E Center to get them to reuse or recycling outlets. The aim of these efforts was to create a cost-effective and convenient solution for residents in Ramsey and Washington counties to reuse or recycle mattresses instead of throwing them away.
In 2021, R&E started working with Second Chance Recycling to offer mattress recycling options. Second Chance’s process can capture up to 95% of mattress materials to be recycled. Since the inception of the partnership, Second Chance has recycled over 22,000 mattresses from residents in the two counties.
Mattress collection at city cleanup events
Free curbside collection
Low-cost, on-demand curbside collection
Multi-unit mattress recycling collection
Mattress recycling and reuse efforts have led to fewer mattresses being dropped off at the R&E Center.
Hover over dots on graph line to view data.
Prior to 2019, the R&E Center received approximately 14,000 mattresses and box springs per year. In 2021, R&E launched new mattress recycling and reuse initiatives. The line graph compares mattresses received at the R&E Center with mattresses recycled from 2019 through 2024. The number of mattresses received decreased from about 13,800 in 2019 to roughly 6,200 in 2024, while mattresses recycled increased from about 1,200 in 2021 to approximately 12,600 in 2024.
In partnership with Second Chance Recycling, R&E has been able to recycle over 22,000 mattresses in Ramsey and Washington counties. Second Chance’s recycling process can capture nearly 95% of mattresses and box springs to be recycled – from metals to foam tops to wood! See the process in action:
For more information or to explore opportunities for mattress recycling, see our contact details below.
If you represent a city and are interested in obtaining financial or technical support to offer mattress recycling services to your residents, please reach out to us.
Email: programs@recyclingandenergy.org
If you manage an apartment or multi-unit property with 5+ units in Ramsey or Washington counties and are interested in free or low-cost mattress recycling services for your residents, learn more below.
Check to see if your city is participating in discounted pickup. If not, you can schedule directly with Second Chance.
Mattresses in good condition – no rips, tears or stains – can be donated to Bridging to be reused. Drop-off and pickup options are available.
Mattresses may be brought to the R&E Center for disposal for $20 plus tax per item.
We’ve supported mattress recycling options in municipalities and multi-unit residential properties across Ramsey and Washington counties. Our city partners include:
