Bedding down a green idea

Killaloe facility saving old mattresses from being dumped

A NEW initiative to save landfill space at Killaloe and recycle used mattresses will create employment for people with an intellectual disability.

The joint partnership between the Endeavour Foundation and Douglas Shire Council is expecting to save 693 cubic metres of waste from heading to the tip, or the equivalent of 17 fully-grown African elephants.

More than 1000 mattresses ended up at the Killaloe landfill last year, with the new partnership set to help put the waste management issue to bed.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael

Kerr said partnering with the Endeavour Foundation was a fantastic social outcome.

“Anyone who has ever moved house or replaced their mattress knows they are huge bulky items, but once dismantled, they are easily recyclable and lead to a significant reduction in waste,” he said.

“Once the springs, wood and other recyclable parts are pulled out, 100 mattresses can be reduced from 130m3 of waste to just 1m3 in waste.”

Endeavour interim chief executive David Blower said the mattress recycling initiative was a win for the environment and for employees with a disability.

“Local government plays a crucial role in supporting their local community and it’s great to see Douglas Shire Council leading the way on two fronts: reducing waste and helping us provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability,” he said.

“Nearly every part of a mattress including the

springs, the wood, and the fabric can be recycled so this new scheme will eliminate a great deal of waste.”

Endeavour employees tasked with dismantling the mattresses will be trained in the use of PPE.

Mr Blower said giving people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to earn an income and have a

meaningful job was vitally important.

“They also receive the benefits of social connection, increasing confidence and self-esteem, and improving physical and mental health,” he said.

Mattresses will be stored at the new Killaloe Resource Recovery Centre before they are picked up for recycling.

Douglas Shire councillors Peter McKeown, Lisa Scomazzon, Mayor Michael Kerr, Roy Zammataro and Cook MP Cynthia Lui at the new resource recovery centre at Killaloe.