16 Green 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 start to sag. A lot of people change mattress topper after this period, that means there is quite a bit of waste out there. Instead of increasing your carbon foot prints what can you do something more eco-friendly? The most opted option is to recycle the foam as it can be 100% recycled. Some manufactures also take used toppers, so that’s another way.

But instead of just throwing them away I have some unique ideas that will convert your old memory foam mattress topper into something completely new and eco-friendly.

1. Stuffing for toys

Why not? They make an excellent stuffing material for toys. Cut them into small pieces and use them to stuff toys for your kids. Also you can make toys out of them and even sell on eBay or Etsy!

2. Bean bags

A bean bag can be made more comfortable by filling half of it with pieces of memory foam. Or you can sew a new bag and fill it completely with foam pieces, this will give quite a decoration for your living room.

3. Donate

Donate them to the homeless or shelter homes. Many of them do not have enough beds to accommodate homeless people, donating to them would be a good thing you do for the 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 head support.

5. Wheel chair pads

Resize and give them to a person on wheel chair. They can be used as padding and help the person sit more comfortably.

6. Halloween costume

Your old memory foam topper can come handy during Halloween. A lot of costumes require bulges and this is an excellent choice for that.

7. Cushions for hardwood chairs

Not comfortable sitting on your hardwood chair? Make some cushions out of your ‘to be disposed’ topper.

8. Stuffing for pillows

They can be used to make pillows for your kids and pets. Cut them into small pieces and stuff 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 is a lot better than just throwing them away.

10. Sell on Craigslist

OK, this is not a DIY project. But definitely I have seen people selling and buying old mattress toppers on Craigslist, may be for their own DIY projects.

11. Floor cushions

Cut them into large square pieces 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, the foam doesn’t go well with pee.

13. Headboard

It is an excellent material to be used as padding for a headboard. If you were longing for a headboard for your bed then this is the right time to get one.

14. Use as an outdoor day bed

Use it on a day bed in your garden or patio.

15. Packing, moving material

They can be used to keep things intact while packing and moving. Vacuum storage bags are a good way to keep them stored till needed.

16. Gardening knee cushion

Gardening is an excellent hobby but all that sowing and weeding can be a little tough on your knees. Your old topper will be an excellent choice to make a home-made knee cushion.