WESTPORT — A free mattress/box spring recycling program will be hosted May 18 by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace, 

The initiative will take place from 8:30 t0 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. The materials should be dry and unsoiled, according to program organizers.

Boy Scout Troop 36 will arrange to pick up mattresses and box springs, for a small fee, from people unable to drop them off at Earthplace during the designated time. For details about the Scouts’ service and to schedule a pickup, click here.

Approximately 90 percent of old mattresses can be recycled into new products, such as carpet pads, exercise equipment cushioning, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials, according to the announcement by Sustainable Westport. The effort also helps keep mattresses and box springs from taking up capacity in landfills. Recycling is provided by Bye Bye Mattress.