Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg, in partnership with Mother Earth Recycling, is launching a pilot program to recycle mattresses.
For a limited time, residents can drop off a combination of up to six mattresses and box springs at the Brady 4R Winnipeg Depot (1777 Brady Rd.) for free. The City is contributing $193,000 towards the pilot program, which runs until January 31, 2020, or until 8,000 mattresses are collected.
“Waste diversion is a critical part of the City’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and extend the life of the Brady Road Resource Management Facility,” said Cindy Gilroy, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Water and Waste, Riverbank Management and the Environment. “We are excited to find a partner in Mother Earth Recycling that will help us pilot this program, and do so in a way that provides meaningful employment and training opportunities in the Indigenous community.”
Mother Earth Recycling, a Winnipeg-based Indigenous social enterprise, will deconstruct the mattresses and box springs to separate the fabric, foam, metal, and wood so they can be recycled into new products.
“This pilot project not only benefits the environment, but it also creates social and economic prosperity and stability for our community,” said Jessica Floresco, General Manager, Mother Earth Recycling. “We appreciate this opportunity to demonstrate the many benefits of mattress and box spring recycling, and are encouraged by the City’s willingness to work alongside us to support essential Indigenous businesses and social enterprises.”
Mattresses and box springs that are wet, soiled, mouldy, burnt, or infested with bedbugs are not accepted. Also not accepted in this program are air mattresses, waterbeds, bed frames, and sofa bed frames.
Mattresses and box springs will not be accepted at the Pacific and Panet 4R Winnipeg Depots during the pilot.
For more information, visit City of Winnipeg – Residential Mattress Recycling Pilot Program.