Hilton Worldwide announced a new mattress recycling program in coordination with the installation of new Serta mattresses and box springs. Available immediately across all brands in the U.S., the program will recycle approximately 85 percent of our hotels' mattresses and box springs into various products rather than being diverted to a landfill.
"Our hotels have purchased more than 50,000 mattresses in the past two years in the U.S. alone," said Randy Gaines, vice president, engineering operations for the Americas at Hilton Worldwide. "This program presents a great opportunity for our hotels globally, offers a cost savings to owners and underscores Hilton Worldwide's commitment to further reduce our waste output."
In partnership with DH Hospitality, mattresses will be recycled into other products, including:
- Steel Springs: Tools, Automobiles, Construction Materials
- Wood: Tempered Flooring, Particle Board Shelving and a variety of Pressed Wood Products
- Cotton Fibers: Oil Filters, Mats and Stuffing
- Quilt Scrap: Carpet Padding
Additionally, through LightStay, the company's proprietary management system, hotels will be able to report and track the progress of its mattress donation and provide additional items during room renovations to Good360 a program that helps identify local nonprofits in need of cased goods. Last month, Hilton Worldwide reported its 2011 results and announced it has achieved its five-year goal to reduce waste by 20 percent, two years ahead of schedule.
DH Hospitality is a single source turnkey provider offering recycling, installation, liquidation, transportation and warehousing services nationwide. The company will install and remove mattresses for Hilton's properties ensuring that hotel operations are not affected by the replacement program. DH Hospitality will also ensure that all components of the mattress and box springs are being recycled, not resold or re-covered, by requiring recycling centers to provide a certificate of recycling.
This initiative further supports Hilton Worldwide's mission to Travel with Purpose and provides shared value to its business and communities around the world. Together with its global partners, the company focuses on: creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential; strengthening communities where it operates; celebrating cultures and the power of travel; and living sustainably through the measurement, analysis and improvement of its use of natural resources.