Boomerang Enterprises

Boomerang Enterprises ceased operation in October 2019

This Social Enterprise project ran from 2014 to 2019.

During this time over 40,000 mattresses were diverted from landfill.
5 people were employed with a further 60 individuals gaining vital employment experience in the project.
A base of 30 customers included local authorities, retailers and accommodation providers.

The project closed in 2019 despite earned income of €149k, due to a total lack of grant support which caused a risk to the viability of The Environmental Forum.


Boomerang Enterprises was a social enterprise recycling project based in Ballyvolane, Cork deconstructing post-consumer mattresses in order to divert for re-use and/or recycling.

The main aim of the project was to encourage the diversion of bulky goods from landfill and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner. Boomerang provided local employment for a Project Manager and for a minimum of 6 TUS Scheme Workers.
Boomerang also provided for the upskilling and training of its employees, while researching means to reuse and recycle fabrics.

The project started as an 18-month start-up managed by The Environmental Forum and supported by the EPA, Cork City and County Councils, SMILE Resource Exchange, Cork City Partnership, the Health Action Zone and community members.