Mattresses given new spring of life in Perth through recycling scheme

Around 150 second-hand mattresses have been sold as part of a recycling scheme in Perth and Kinross, just months after launching.

Mattresses dropped off at city recycling centres are given a deep clean and refurbished before being resold at affordable prices.

The service is being run by local charity PUSH in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council and supports young people who face barriers to employment.

The mattresses are given a deep-clean before being resold at affordable rates in Perth city centre. STV News

Catriona Palombo, PUSH chief executive, told STV News: “These mattresses are cleaner now than the ones we’ve slept in the night before.

“I really see that having seen the [cleaning] process, all the chemicals used are safe for children and animals.

“We’ve worked with Zero Waste Scotland to ensure that our cleaning and everything is up to standard.

“It’s amazing seeing these lovely mattresses come back to life.”

Catriona Palombo is the chief executive of PUSH, which supports young people who face barriers to employment. STV News

The scheme was launched in March with a £25,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund.

It has meant additional opportunities for the young people PUSH supports, including those with learning disabilities and additional support needs.

Kieran Greer, 26, first came to the charity a decade ago. He told STV News he is enjoying being involved in this latest project.

He said: “I left school at 16 and didn’t know what I was going to do.

“I got put to PUSH for work experience and I got my first contract on March 1, 2017, and have been here ever since.

“The phones have been ringing off-the-hook nonstop. Last week we had about 15 or 20 phones calls for mattresses.”

Kieran Greer, 26, is involved in collecting the mattresses and sanitising them so they are ready for resale. STV News

Once cleaned, the mattresses are brought to PUSH’s shop on South Street in Perth.

“I found this place through the job centre,” said worker Cameron Sharples. “I help customers, serve on the tills, I make sure all the products are ready, and am just generally happy to help with anything that a customer would need.

“I’ve definitely become a lot more confident, am able to speak with people a lot better now, and I do enjoy working here.”

Councillor Richard Watters of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “Since it started at the beginning of March, it’s not far off one [selling] a day, which is not bad for a scheme that’s just kicking off.

“There’s less mattresses going into waste so there’s a clear environmental benefit, but just as importantly there’s an affordability to it as well.

“Our homeless team are looking at using the mattresses in our temporary accommodation as well, which will boost the scheme even further.”