Are Mattress Springs Recyclable? How to Handle Metal Coils Responsibly

If you’re wondering “Are mattress springs recyclable?”, you’re likely getting rid of an old innerspring or hybrid mattress and want to avoid sending everything to the landfill. This FAQ-style guide explains what happens to the metal coils, how recycling works, and what your realistic options are.

Are mattress springs actually recyclable?

Yes, mattress springs are generally recyclable. The coils in innerspring and many hybrid mattresses are usually made from steel, a metal that can be:

  • Separated from other mattress materials
  • Compressed and baled
  • Melted down and reused for new metal products

The main challenge is not the metal itself but getting the springs separated from the fabric, foam, and padding. That’s why mattress springs are usually recycled through mattress recycling programs or scrap metal facilities, not through regular curbside recycling bins.

Why does it matter if mattress springs are recyclable?

Understanding are mattress springs recyclable matters for a few reasons:

  • Environmental impact: Mattresses are bulky and take up a lot of landfill space. Removing and recycling the springs helps reduce waste.
  • Material value: Steel is a durable, reusable material. Once cleaned and processed, it can be turned into new metal items.
  • Local regulations: Some areas limit how mattresses can be disposed of. Knowing your options can help you follow local rules and avoid extra fees.

For many people, recycling the springs is part of a broader effort to get rid of a mattress in a more sustainable way.

How are mattress springs recycled in practice?

Step-by-step: What usually happens

While exact processes vary by facility, the general steps are:

  1. Collection or drop-off
    The mattress is taken to a recycling center, transfer station, or scrap metal facility.

  2. Manual or mechanical breakdown
    Workers or machines cut away the outer fabric and foam to expose the coil unit.

  3. Separation of materials

    • Fabric and foam are sorted for separate handling
    • The metal spring unit is pulled out and set aside

  4. Metal processing
    The metal springs may be:

    • Cut or compacted
    • Cleaned of remaining fabric or padding
    • Baled and sent to a metal recycler or steel mill

  5. Reuse
    Recycled steel can be used for a variety of new metal products.

Throughout this process, the recyclability of the springs is high, as long as a facility is equipped to handle mattress breakdown.

Can I recycle mattress springs myself?

You can, but there are important considerations.

DIY vs. professional recycling

DIY spring removal might be possible if:

  • You’re comfortable using tools like utility knives and pliers
  • You have a safe space to work (and to handle sharp edges)
  • You have a way to transport the metal to a scrap metal yard or similar facility

However, DIY dismantling can be:

  • Time-consuming: Cutting off fabric and foam takes effort
  • Potentially hazardous: Springs can snap, and sharp metal or staples can cause injury
  • Messy: Foam, batting, and fabric can create a lot of debris

Because of that, many people prefer to use mattress recycling services or scheduled bulky-item collection that includes recycling when available.

Where can I take mattress springs to be recycled?

Options vary depending on your location, but common choices include:

  • Mattress recycling centers: Some regions have dedicated facilities that accept whole mattresses for dismantling and material recovery.
  • Municipal or regional programs: Local waste authorities sometimes run mattress collection days or designated drop-off points.
  • Scrap metal recyclers: Some scrap yards accept the metal coil units if you remove them yourself. Policies differ, so it’s usually best to check what they accept before going.

If one option isn’t available, another may be. The key is to ask specifically about metal springs from a mattress so you know how they prefer to receive them.

What about the rest of the mattress materials?

When you ask are mattress springs recyclable, it’s natural to wonder about the other components too. In many mattresses, you’ll find:

  • Metal springs/coils – commonly recyclable as metal
  • Foam layers – sometimes repurposed or downcycled, depending on local facilities
  • Fabric and quilting – may be reused, downcycled, or disposed of
  • Wood or fiber boards (in some models) – sometimes recyclable or reusable

Not every part is as easily recycled as steel, but recycling the springs alone can still reduce overall waste compared to throwing the entire mattress away.

Are all types of mattress springs recyclable?

Most standard steel coil units can be recycled as metal. However, a few details can affect how simple the process is:

  • Coil gauge or thickness: Thicker, heavier springs may be more attractive to scrap metal buyers.
  • Coating or treatment: Springs with light surface coatings are often still recyclable as metal, but heavily coated or unusual materials might need special handling.
  • Attached materials: If the springs are still covered with a lot of fabric, foam, or plastic, some facilities may ask that these be removed first.

In general, if the springs are primarily exposed steel, a metal recycler is more likely to accept them.

♻️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Are Mattress Springs Recyclable”

  • Yes, mattress springs are generally recyclable because they are typically made of steel.
  • The main obstacle is separating the metal coils from foam, fabric, and other mattress materials.
  • Dedicated mattress recycling programs often handle this process for you.
  • Some scrap metal recyclers may accept coil units, especially if you’ve removed extra materials.
  • Not every part of a mattress is easily recyclable, but recycling just the springs still reduces waste.
  • DIY removal is possible but can be labor-intensive and requires caution with sharp tools and metal edges.

Knowing the answer to “Are mattress springs recyclable?” can help you manage an old mattress more responsibly. By understanding how the metal coils are processed and where they can go, you can choose an option that fits your comfort level, local options, and environmental priorities.