Giving Waste a Second Life: Our Contributions to a Circular and Inclusive Future

In today’s word, with the rising growth of waste and depletion of resources, there is constant need for innovative and sustainable recycling solutions. At Electronic Recycling Australia and Bounce Back Mattress Recycling, two social enterprises proudly backed by Bedford, we believe that sustainability and social impact go hand in hand.

Grounded in the principles of a circular economy, our mission is simple - to reduce waste, recover valuable materials and keep resources in use for as long as possible. But our impact goes beyond the environment, we are creating real, ongoing job opportunities for people with disability through supported, inclusive employment.

The circular economy is an economic model focused on reducing waste and maximising the use of resources. Instead of the traditional linear system, it focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible, by reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling. The main goal is to reduce waste, save energy, keep materials circulating within the economy for as long as possible. It also encourages companies to design products that last longer, can be easily fixed and recycled. It helps open more business opportunities, generates employment and, with our two recycling businesses, supports a more inclusive and equitable society by providing employment opportunities for people with disability.

The circular economy goes beyond reducing waste- it is about building a future where people and the planet can thrive together.

In Australia, mattresses and electronic waste (E-waste) are among the fastest growing waste streams. Both contain valuable materials which can be recovered and reused but usually end up in landfills. Through our innovative processes at Bounce Back and ERA, we recover and recycle a minimum of 80% of the components we collect. This not only reduces environmental impact but also supports manufacturing and helps build a more sustainable, circular economy.

For mattresses, our dedicated team at Bounce Back carefully dismantle each item by hand and sort them into different categories such as steel springs, foam, fabric, and timber. These recovered components are then sent to manufacturers for reuse. For instance, mattress foam can be processed into carpet underlay or insulation for buildings. Steel springs are recycled into new metal products and textiles and wood are repurposed for various industrial applications and compost.

In the same way, for e-waste, our team at Electronic Recycling Australia dismantles each device, sorting its components into valuable materials like copper, aluminium, plastics and circuit boards. These materials are then sent to certified recycling facilities, where they undergo specialised processes to recover raw materials. These materials are reused in manufacturing new electronics, construction materials, and other industrial products. By doing this, it significantly reduces the demand for raw materials, which helps minimise the environment footprint associated with electronic waste disposal.

For electronic items that can be refurbished, our Electronic Recycling Australia team of skilled technicians test goods, repair where required and sell online. Another important contribution to the circular economy!

Both of our recycling operations are committed to inclusive employment. We support people with disability to work across every stage of our recycling businesses from dismantling items, sorting materials, testing and refurbishing, to managing equipment and logistics, creating jobs and pathways for people with disability in South Australia. These roles offer stable and meaningful work, empowering individuals to contribute their skills and be part of a positive work environment. We are committed to creating safe, supportive workplaces that meet the diverse needs of our team, proving that sustainable business can also be inclusive and socially responsible.

Whether you are an individual or a business, recycling with us means doing more than reducing waste — it is a step toward a cleaner planet and a more inclusive economy. Bulky items like mattresses and electronics often end up in landfill, but through recycling, we recover valuable materials that can be reused, cutting down on waste and reducing the environmental impact of producing goods from raw resources.

In addition, our work also helps to reduce carbon emissions by giving existing materials a second life. By recovering and reusing existing materials, we cut down the need for energy-intensive processes like mining and manufacturing and support more sustainable production while actively helping to combat climate change.

We make recycling simple for individuals, households, and businesses. If you have an old mattress or electronic device to dispose off, you can drop it off at our Ottoway hub, located at 301 Grand Junction Road. For e-waste, we also have a number of collection points.

For organisations managing larger amounts of waste, we offer tailored commercial recycling solutions to suit specific needs. Every item recycled through our service not only helps reduce environmental impact but also supports inclusive employment.

At Bounce Back Mattress Recycling and Electronic Recycling Australia, we believe that recycling your old mattress or devices is not just a smart choice, but a powerful one. By recycling with us, you are contributing to a circular economy that values both the environment and community.

Learn more about our recycling services here > Electronic Recycling Australia & Bounce Back Mattress Recycling

We are opening at our Ottoway Recycling Hub for a special drop-off event on Saturday 14 June 2025.

Drop off your mattress and e-waste, browse refurbished electronics and enjoy a sausage sizzle.

See you at 301 Grand Junction Road from 7am-2pm.