End Markets Committee Corner

Committee Chair Will Hancock welcomed new members as well as guest speaker Christine Kiourtsis, who offered an overview of Renewal Recycling Inc (RRI) and their history. Mattress recycling has been an important segment for RRI for many years, but also a difficult one to manage well. Beyond mattresses, RRI accepts carpets, flooring, and acoustic ceiling tiles. 

Did you know that a single mattress can take 100 years or more to fully decompose? Approximately 27.5 tons per day or 10,500 tons per year end up in landfills. So the need for mattress recycling is real, though it’s not easy. Christine shared some of the unique challenges with the recycling of this product, such as the unfortunate fact that they soak up many different substances during their lifetimes and become a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewal Recycling Inc.’s program involves an efficient collection process that results in a 99% recycling rate. Textiles typically found in mattresses include foam, latex, cotton, and other materials. Automated processing is used whenever possible to capture the materials, though approximately 10% of the mattresses collected need to be processed manually. Mulch, carpet padding, soundproofing, lamp post,s and car parts are all typical end-market uses for the materials separated from their mattresses.

RRI’s industry partnerships were also reviewed. They are currently partnering with the Hyatt Regency Times Square in New York City on a major recycling project. New York State is another partner, and the state is looking at mattress recycling legislation. RRI is working with them on crafting a bill that would mandate the recycling of mattresses in the state, and New Jersey is also considering similar legislation.

Are other end markets possible? Absolutely! The company also produces sustainable sandbags (40% textiles, 60% sand), as well as blow-in insulation. And RRI’s partner Reworld assists the company with turning a significant amount of RRI’s MSW into electric energy. The waste remaining after recycling can go into this program.

Following the presentation, President John Thomas welcomed interest in a new Aggregates Committee task force, which is forming now with an intent to meet for the first time in April.