Vancouver faces abandoned mattresses problem
07/10/2011
Illegally dumped mattresses are becoming a major problem in the Canadian city of Vancouver as residents try to avoid paying a $20 (£12) fee to recycle the items.
City spokeswoman Alex Russell explained that many mattresses are being found in alleyways and other parts of Vancouver since the fee was introduced on January 1st.
Ms Russell told the Vancouver Sun: "Ever since the ban we've seen an increase in so-called abandoned mattresses.
"This is very concerning to us because it's a drain on our resources."
She revealed that the trucks usually deployed for picking up mattresses cannot be used in this situation, so alternative vehicles are sent out at an additional cost to taxpayers.
Many charities and removal companies offer services to remove these items for free that many people are not taking advantage of, Ms Russell added.
The UK Prison Service launched a mattress recycling scheme back in 2009, which sees the products transformed into other items such as carpet underlay and roof tiles.
Posted by Michael Ewing
