Old air beds, also called air beds, pose a difficult dilemma for recyclers. Because many air beds are made from plastic with PVC, many recycling centres don't accept them on a routine basis. This is because PVC leaks dioxins as it breaks down. Options for recycling these air beds include converting it for different uses or locating a recycling centre that accepts these items.
- Old air beds, also called air beds, pose a difficult dilemma for recyclers.
- Because many air beds are made from plastic with PVC, many recycling centres don't accept them on a routine basis.
Lay the air bed outside and use a garden hose to clean off any mildew or dirt. The recycling centre may ask that the mattress be in acceptable condition.
Contact your local waste management facility and ask for a list of recycling centres that accept PVC.
Phone these centres to find out what the requirements are for recycling air beds. Some centres have dates each year when they accept hard to recycle items such as PVC plastics. Make a note of the dates and plan to bring the mattresses to the centre during this time.
- Phone these centres to find out what the requirements are for recycling air beds.
Contact outdoor gear companies and ask if they accept air beds to be recycled into fleece clothing. Outdoor gear and clothing maker Patagonia accepts many types of plastic for use in its fleece products.
Cut the air bed at the side seams and remove the top and bottom of the mattress. Use these as tarps for gardening, to cover firewood stacks, or as dust sheets for painting or household chores.
Patch any slow leaks on the air bed and use it as a pool toy.
Spread the newly cut tarps out for outdoor carpets on decks or sidewalks.