Kernovate Inc

07/14/2026

We're honored to be featured by WGLT! Reporter Lizzie Seils visited our warehouse to see how Kernovate takes apart discarded mattresses, recycles the steel, foam, fiber, and wood, and turns that work into free beds for local families through our BEDS program.

Thank you to WGLT for telling our story, and to everyone in Bloomington-Normal who has recycled with us or supported the mission.

Read and listen here: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-06-29/why-mattress-trash-is-this-bloomington-nonprofits-treasure

Want to keep a mattress out of the landfill? Schedule a pickup or drop-off at kernovate.com/schedule-pickup. $10 per piece.

When Daniel Kern officially founded the nonprofit Kernovate in 2025, he hoped to solve three problems: diverting mattresses from landfills, giving beds to those in need and providing work opportunities.

01/27/2026

Mattress waste adds up fast.

• ~20 million mattresses are discarded in the U.S. every year.
• A single mattress can take up 40+ cubic feet of landfill space.
• 80–90% of a mattress (steel, foam, wood, fiber) is recyclable.

Yet most mattresses are still buried, not recovered.

Kernovate is working locally to divert mattress waste, recover usable materials, and turn a disposal problem into community impact that truly makes a difference.

♻️ Less landfill. More purpose.♻️

Kernovate Inc.

01/13/2026

It turns out it actually costs money to not make money. Seriously — mind blown.

But for real, we’re facing a shortfall in funds to keep our BEDS program running. This program helps make sure people — especially kids — aren’t sleeping on the floor, and it keeps mattresses out of the landfill.

If you’re able to help, please consider donating.
If you can’t donate, please share — it matters just as much.

Thank you for supporting Kernovate and this work!

Donations are tax-deductible we're 501(c)(3) approved.

Help Launch a Community-Based Mattress Recycling Program Every year, thousa… daniel kern needs your support for Recycle with Purpose. Give with Heart.

01/12/2026

We’re excited to officially share an important update.

Our work is now moving forward under a new name: Kernovate.

Kernovate is a nonprofit organization focused on mattress and boxspring recycling, circular reuse, and community impact, with an emphasis on reducing landfill waste while increasing access to safe, usable beds and materials for those in need.

This name reflects a more formal structure, a clearer mission, and our commitment to long-term sustainability solutions across Central Illinois and beyond. While the name is new, the work itself builds on years of hands-on experience, community partnerships, and practical problem-solving.

As Kernovate, we will be:

Expanding mattress and boxspring recycling and material recovery efforts

Offering mattress and boxspring pickup services to support responsible disposal

Supporting community partners and referral agencies

Advancing education and awareness around sustainable disposal

Developing scalable, locally grounded solutions

Our mission aligns closely with regional sustainability efforts, including organizations such as ISU and Action Center, and we look forward to collaboration and dialogue.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in this effort.

Stay tuned — more great things are coming soon.

—
Kernovate