Sleep Health
Published September 27, 2024
8 minHow to Properly Dispose of Your Mattress: A Comprehensive Guide
Wondering what to do with that old mattress? There are a few ways to get rid of a used mattress: schedule a curbside waste pickup, donate it to a local charity, call a mattress disposal service, or ta
Table of contents
When to Get Rid of a MattressGetting Your Mattress Ready for DisposalHow to Dispose of a MattressMattress Recycling OptionsAlternative Ways To Dispose of a MattressOut with the Old, In with DreamCloud
Wondering what to do with that old mattress? There are a few ways to get rid of a used mattress: schedule a curbside waste pickup, donate it to a local charity, call a mattress disposal service, or take it to a recycling center. The best option for you might depend on the condition of your mattress, where you bought it, or where you live.This guide will walk you through the proper steps to dispose of your old mattress, from cleaning to getting to the dumpster (or recycling bin), and everything in between.
When to Get Rid of a Mattress
Most mattresses last about 7-12 years. Over time, even the best mattresses wear out, lose support, and can become home to allergens, dust mites, and other bacteria that could affect your health. So when is the right time to replace a mattress?Here are 9 signs that it’s time to replace your mattress:- You wake up with discomfort or pain.
- You have trouble sleeping through the night.
- Your mattress has lumps or pressure points.
- It sags or the edges are sinking.
- You hear creaks and squeaks when you move.
- The mattress is stained or yellowed.
- There’s a bad smell that won’t go away.
- You sleep better on other mattresses.
- The mattress has a pest problem.
Getting Your Mattress Ready for Disposal
Here’s how to clean your mattress in five easy steps:- Uncover: Strip the mattress of any bedding and pillows
- Vacuum: Remove debris, dirt, and dust
- Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda on any smelly areas and let it sit overnight before vacuuming it up
- Steam Clean: Steam cleaner to remove stains and disinfect the mattress. Don’t have a steam cleaner? Spot-treat stains and use an antibacterial fabric spray to disinfect
- Wrap It Up: Put the mattress in a cover or mattress bag to keep it clean during disposal
- Cut the Cover: Use a utility knife to cut along the edges and remove the cover
- Remove the Foam: Strip away the foam or padding inside
- Cut the Metal: If it’s a spring mattress, use pliers to cut the metal wires connecting the coils
- Take Apart the Frame: Dismantle the wooden or metal frame
- Sort the Materials: Compost, recycle, or throw away each part separately. Depending on where you live, some parts, like the box spring, can be composted or recycled
How to Dispose of a Mattress
After cleaning, dismantling, and wrapping your mattress, it’s time to get rid of it. If your used mattress is still in good condition, you might be able to sell it on a site like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp, or give it away on a “Buy Nothing” forum. If not, here are three ways to dispose of it responsibly:1. Local Waste ManagementRegardless of which option you choose, properly disposing of an old mattress can take some work! Luckily, services like Bye Bye Mattress or Earth911 can help you find a collection site, recycling facility, or event near you.2. Pick Up Services & Disposal CompaniesIf your city doesn’t offer mattress removal, you can call a haul-away or junk-removal service. These removal companies pick up your used mattress for a fee, which usually ranges from $40 to $175 depending on size, condition, and location. You can find a service online and schedule a pickup time.3. Landfill DisposalIf you’re up for some heavy lifting, you can drop off an old mattress at a landfill. Keep in mind that mattresses take up a lot of space to transport and can cause problems with landfill equipment. To reduce waste, dismantle the mattress and separate the reusable materials before heading to the landfill.Regardless of which option you choose, properly disposing of an old mattress can take some work! Luckily, services like Bye Bye Mattress or Earth911 can help you find a collection site, recycling facility, or event near you.Mattress Recycling Options
Contrary to popular belief, mattresses are recyclable. There are several reasons to recycle a mattress, including economic, environmental, and community benefits. When you recycle a mattress, you’re supporting local jobs, reducing waste and saving natural resources, and potentially giving back to your community by repurposing or reusing items.Search online for local waste management services to find a recycling center. Leverage Bye Bye Mattress or Earth911’s free resources to help you locate a recycling facility or event. Lastly, some retailers offer mattress recycling as an added benefit when you buy a new mattress.Once you find a mattress recycling facility, you’ll want to disassemble the mattress by separating the foam, fabric, springs, and wood, and wrapping it in plastic for easier transportation. This helps the recycling center process it more efficiently.Alternative Ways To Dispose of a Mattress
If you’re having trouble getting rid of the mattress, there are a few alternative ways you can find a new home for an old mattress, including donation and upcycling.A mattress in good condition can be donated to local businesses or nonprofit organizations that accept mattresses for recycling or reuse. Places like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA), the Salvation Army, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or homeless shelters often accept mattress donations.To donate a used mattress, it needs to be:- Clean: Free of odors, stains, or yellowing
- Good Shape: No rips, tears, or sagging
- Pest-Free: Mattresses with bed bugs (or other critters) need not apply
- Working Springs: Free of lumps and bumps with working coils or metal springs
- Bench: Make a minimalist bench for your porch or garden out of an old bed frame
- Compost: Cotton, natural latex, and wood are generally considered compostable
- Couch or Pillow Cushions: Cut an old foam mattress into smaller pieces and cover them with soft fabric to create plush cushions
- Crashpad Mat: DIY your mattress topper into a padded mat for exercise or play
- Headboard: Design and create a unique headboard
- Pet Bed: Cut and sew your favorite furry friend a new bed
- Soundproofing: Use cotton and foam as a sound barrier. Pro tip: memory foam absorbs sound across the frequency spectrum better than other foams
