Important Recycling Numbers To Know 💡
215: The number of units recycled by the Town of Ipswich since the Massachusetts landfill ban went into effect in November 2022.
154: The number of aggregate pickups the Town of Ipswich has completed with Tough Stuff Recycling.
5,082: The number of cubic feet of saved landfill space as a result of the Town of Ipswich recycling mattresses.
Mattress Recycling Fun Facts ♻️
75% – 80%: the percentage of a mattress that is recyclable. That means when you recycle, less space is taken up in landfills, and more materials are being recycled into new products!
50%: The percentage breakdown of metal in the mattress recycling process, or the equivalent of 25 – 40 lbs of steel!
The foam and the fabric that surrounds your mattress have a second life as carpet padding. If you ever have a chance, take a look at the padding that is hidden below your carpet, that patchwork is made up of hundreds of thousands of recycled mattresses!
At Tough Stuff Recycling, we believe in recycling and waste diversion. What’s more important? Hearing from our customers and understanding their needs – and their successes. So we’ve asked our Municipal customers what they thought of Tough Stuff Recycling and how our partnership helped them learn more about overcoming the challenges of the statewide mattress landfill ban.
“We appreciate the time, effort, and patience everyone at TSR has given us. We are grateful for the excellent customer service.”
An Interview With The Town of Ipswich
Q: How and when did you learn about the mattress landfill ban?
A: “We were first informed about the mattress ban approximately a year before it took effect. The MassDEP announced the ban and then proceeded to have many workshops to get every municipality ready.”
Q: What was the most immediate challenge you faced when you heard your hauler was going to no longer accept mattresses?
A: “First and foremost, we needed to educate residents about the new recycling program and help them through the process.”
Q: How did you learn about Tough Stuff Recycling?
A: “We first learned about TSR through MassDEP and their state approval.”
Q: What led you to start working with us to recycle your mattresses?
A: “When we were first choosing a vendor and going through the process, Rodney was so helpful and accessible. He answered dozens of our questions. We were also very grateful for the opportunity to offer curbside pickup in addition to drop-off options at our transfer station.”
Q: What are the benefits of mattress recycling in or for your municipality?
A: “Being able to offer residents curbside pick-up and drop-off options helps them have control over how they can spend their money. One of our goals is to educate residents about the number of recycled mattresses and box springs from Massachusetts annually, and how much of those materials can be recycled.”
Q: How did the Massachusetts Mattress landfill ban affect your community in relation to curbside service and mattress disposal and now mattress recycling?
A: “Before the ban, residents could pay $10 for a sticker and leave the item at the curb on trash day. They were allowed only one per week, though.”
Q: How can your residents get rid of mattresses in your municipality – is curbside service available? Do you have drop-off locations in your municipality?
A: “Ipswich residents are fortunate to have a transfer station available two days per week, so they can save some money and drop off mattresses and/or box springs if they choose. Other demographic groups in town really appreciate the curbside service option.”
Q: If you could take anything positive out of the Massachusetts mattress landfill ban, what would that be?
A: “There are many positives! Our trash goes to waste-to-energy incineration, which to some people sounds better – or actually IS better – than going to a landfill, but the outcome is the same. Knowing that the materials are recycled does make a difference to residents. And 300,000 of anything in the state of Massachusetts, which has approximately 7 million residents, is a large percentage and actual quantity.”
Kind Words
“We appreciate the time, effort, and patience everyone at TSR has given us! We are grateful for the excellent customer service. Tashiana is a superhero!”
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To learn more about how we work together with local municipalities, contact us today!
