Is it time to replace or upgrade your mattress? A mattress generally lasts around 10 years, so you may or may not know exactly what to do with your old mattress. There are a few different options depending on things like: where your new mattress was purchased, where you live, and what your preferences are. We’ll run down the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to get rid of that old mattress. Since close to 15 million mattresses end up in a landfill each year, it's essential to take a little extra time to avoid this whenever possible.
If you've purchased your mattress from a brick and mortar store like a furniture or mattress store, you are most likely having the mattress delivered to your home. Nearly every retail store will include the removal of your old mattress in the delivery price if you desire. Check with the salesperson when you are setting up delivery and make sure they can remove your old mattress. You may also want to check that they follow through with recycling old mattresses they pick up, and that they do not just end up at the dump and then a landfill.
If it is a smaller independent mattress retailer, they may or may not be taking the extra steps to haul mattresses to a recycling center that accepts them. Usually, larger chains are set up to take them to a recycling center where they are disassembled, and whatever parts can be recycled are separated. This is usually a free service or included with delivery costs, and would be the simplest, least complicated way to get rid of that old worn-out mattress. You won't have to wrap or load up a large, heavy mattress, so if this is a possibility, save your back and some time. Let the professionals remove it for you.
Nowadays, even mattresses can be purchased online. While purchasing online can usually save you some money, keep in mind that the option of removal of your old mattress is no longer available. If you bought your mattress online or store pickup is not an option, then you will need to do a little more leg work. There may or may not be a mattress recycling center local to your area.
There is an excellent chance that a recycling center in your area accepts mattresses. As a matter of fact, you may even be able to find a facility that will pick up your old mattress for you. Get in touch with a few different facilities. Ask them about mattress recycling and see what they say. There are many facilities that will take mattresses. However, you shouldn’t just assume that your mattress will be accepted. It’s always a good idea to confirm things first to avoid an unnecessary trip. Call your local recycle center to see if they will take your old bed and mattress or know of another facility in the area that will. Many people are surprised to learn you can recycle used mattress, but many times this is a viable option that should be explored.
Some recycling centers that accept large bulk items such as mattresses will charge a small recycling fee. Make sure to check with the facility in your area. These mattress recycling fees usually fall between $20 - $40 per mattress. Mattresses take up a lot of space and are not entirely recyclable. The labor involved in dismantling a mattress to recycle portions that are reusable are the reasons many recycling locations charge a fee. If you want to be responsible with the disposal of your used mattress and be sure it doesn't simply end up at the local dump, you may be accepting of this nominal fee. Free mattress recycling is available at some large recycling centers, so try a few different if you want to avoid this fee.
Another great option is donating your old mattress, but one caveat, this is entirely dependent upon the condition of your mattress. If the mattress you need to get rid of is still in good condition you may want to explore donation. Obviously if the mattress is very worn or stained this wouldn't be a good option. If it isn't in good condition and you drop it at a donation center, odds are you will be doing more harm than good, ultimately leaving the charitable organization with the work of hauling away an unusable mattress. You can start with a quick internet search for donation drop off near me and see if any nearby charities specifically accept mattresses. Many charities do not accept mattresses, so you will want to check by calling them directly first. You can also check with Donationtown.org; they even have many that can arrange for pickup of your mattress donation.
Other Free Options
If you are not able to find a charity that will take your used mattress you still have some options for getting rid of it for free.
Craigslist - Post an ad for your mattress in the Free section. Your success will of course depend on the condition and age.
Homeless shelter - If you are in a larger city try calling shelters in the area and see if they would have a use for the mattress.
Friends and family - Reach out to friends or family and see if anyone could use your mattress.
Mattress removal service is available in most cities. People get rid of their old mattresses every single day. Because mattress disposal is a common problem, there are actual service companies that will take care of your old mattress for you. A mattress recycling service will charge you, most places charge between $50 and $150 for removal, but they will safely dispose of your mattress and box spring. A mattress removal service is also helpful if you don’t have a way to transport your mattress to a recycling center. If you don’t have other options, paying to get rid of your mattress is an excellent idea.
Some of these junk removal services may require that you bag up your used mattress for sanitation purposes. Mattress disposal bags may also be required if your local waste management accepts mattresses. You will want to check to be sure to avoid a fee if you are utilizing the bulk pick up through your normal trash services. Mattress disposal bags are available at your local home improvement stores or wherever moving supplies are sold.
If you have explored these other options, and cannot find anywhere to accept your mattress, you may be wondering how to get rid of your mattress. Avoid dumping or burning your mattress. Obviously, taking your mattress to the dump should be avoided if possible, but if you live in a very rural area or it is very bad shape this may be your only option. This is still a better option than burning it or dumping it somewhere that is not a designated dump or landfill. You should be especially careful about burning or illegally dumping your mattress. Dumping is illegal; if you choose to dump your mattress on the side of the road or in someone else’s dumpster, you could be fined. Burning a mattress can be extremely dangerous. If you burn a mattress, you are putting your own health and safety at risk. Burning a mattress also releases harmful toxins in the air that cause damage to the environment.
Can a mattress by recycled?
How can I dispose of mattress for free?
How is a mattress recycled?