Discarded Mattresses: From Environmental Problem to Recoverable Resource

Mattresses represent one of the most widespread and problematic bulky waste streams worldwide, due to their unavoidable daily use, their high presence in municipal solid waste flows, and the complexity of their end-of-life management. Their heterogeneous composition—combining polyurethane foams, textiles, metal springs, and adhesives—makes separation and recovery difficult, leading many discarded mattresses to end up in landfills or incinerators, with associated greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of valuable secondary resources. Within this context, recycling emerges as a priority alternative under the circular economy framework, enabling material recovery and reducing reliance on traditional disposal methods. Among current options, mechanical recycling is especially promising, as it provides energy savings and lower emissions compared to thermal treatments. However, its large-scale implementation requires improvements in product design, collection logistics, and regulatory frameworks to address existing challenges. This article provides a critical review of the current state of mattress recycling and valorization, examining technological advances, environmental impacts, and systemic barriers. It also highlights successful initiatives in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, which illustrate the potential of circular strategies to transform bulky waste management and promote sustainable material flows.