16 Eco-Friendly Ways To Recycle Old Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Most memory foam mattress toppers have a lifespan of only 5 years. After that, the foam loses the ability to regain shape and gradually begins to sag. Many people change the mattress topper after this period, which means there is quite a bit of waste. Instead of increasing your carbon footprint, what can something greener do? The most chosen option is to recycle the foam since it can be 100% recycled. Some manufacturers also accept used toppers, so that’s another way.
But instead of just throwing them away, I have some unique ideas that will turn your old memory foam mattress topper into something completely new and eco-friendly.
1. Stuffing for toys
Why not? They are an excellent stuffing material for toys. Cut them into small pieces and use them to stuff your children’s toys. You can also make toys out of them and even sell them on eBay or Etsy!
2. Poufs
A bean bag can be made more comfortable by filling half with pieces of memory foam. Or you can sew a new bag and fill it completely with foam pieces, this will give a great decoration to your living room.
3. Donate
Donate them to the homeless or to shelters. Many of them do not have enough beds to accommodate the homeless, donating to them would be a good thing for society.
4. Car seat pads
You can cut the foam and use it as padding for car seats. They can also be wrapped in fabric or leather and used as a head support.
5. Wheelchair pads
Resize and give them to a person in a wheelchair. They can be used as padding and help the person sit more comfortably.
6.Halloween costume
Your old memory foam topper can come in handy during Halloween. Lots of costumes require bulk and this is a great option for that.
7. Cushions for wooden chairs
Not comfortable sitting in your hardwood chair? Make some cushions out of your ‘to be thrown away’ topper.
8. Stuffing for pillows
They can be used to make pillows for your children and pets. Cut them into small pieces and put them inside the pillow.
9. Dishwashing sponges
We use hundreds of sponges a year. Why not cut your topper into square pieces and use them as dishwashing sponges? That’s much better than just throwing them away.
10. Sell on Craigslist
OK, this is not a DIY project. But I’ve definitely seen people selling and buying old mattress toppers on Craigslist, maybe for their own DIY projects.
11. Floor cushions
Cut them into large squares and cover them with decorative fabrics. They will make great floor cushions.
12. Pet bed
I wonder why people often forget this. This is an excellent idea to reuse your old topper. Cut it and make a bed for your lovely pet. Cover it with a waterproof cover, foam doesn’t go well with urine.
13. Headboard
It is an excellent material to be used as padding for a headboard. If you were wanting a headboard for your bed, this is the right time to get one.
14. Use it as an outdoor day bed.
Use it as a day bed in your garden or patio.
15. Packaging, moving material
They can be used to keep things intact while packing up and moving. Vacuum storage bags are a great way to keep them stored until needed.
16. Gardening Knee Pad
Gardening is a great hobby, but all that seeding and weeding can be a little hard on the knees. Your old topper will be a great option for a homemade knee cushion.
