My researches seem to indicate that a different approach is needed in the case of recycling mattresses as opposed to dealing with carpet. (See separate entry). Mattresses, unless they are composed of complex new materials which in some cases they are now at the high end, have a number of possible recycling streams - fabric, wood, metal etc. In some US states which are more progressive about recycling, e.g. California and Connecticut, there are facilities to handle mattresses, and manufacturers seem to have realized that if they offer a collection service to take away old mattresses when they supply new ones, their sales go up. However, there seems to be a limited opportunity for a straightforward capitalist company to find this specialism profitable outside big cities. I would suggest that since there are only about 500 manufacturers supplying the 15,000-odd outlets and online sources in the US, this is a prime case for womb-to-tomb and recycling responsibilities to be assumed by the manufacturers, perhaps with some initial subsidy or tax incentives rather than simply by adding to the retail price. I would emphasize "responsibility" because obviously in some cases the larger retailers might be open to deals with the manufacturers to take on the recycling for them.
A change of this kind might be achievable through public political or charities' pressure on companies, but might have to come from governments. Whether pillows and upholstered furniture could also be embraced in more comprehensive facilities easily, I am not sure. How many sofas are disposed of each year in this country? Around here in our rural area many sofas are put out by the side of the road or advertised for low prices or free, but there comes a time...
I have found that thinking about some different categories of our waste is helpful, rather than imagining ambitiously comprehensive facilities run by small towns and bands of dedicated volunteers, however worthy all such initiatives are. Behind these thoughts is the idea that when we make things to sell, the time has come for us to follow through in terms of their ultimate destiny on the surface of our finite planet. I would suggest that we start with large, common household items which are awkward to dispose of.
Richard
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