Mattress disposal involves recycling or donating your used mattress instead of throwing it away. Local laws, regulations, and fees will dictate the best method for you to dispose of your mattress.
If your mattress is in good condition, you can donate it to a local charity. You can also list it on online marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Over 18 million mattresses wind up in landfills yearly, but the majority of these beds can actually be recycled. Mattresses are made of recyclable materials, and many municipalities have recycling programs that make it easy to get rid of old mattresses in your area. However, the specifics of recycling laws and procedures vary by location and state. You can find out more about local regulations by calling your municipal office or checking online.
If you have a mattress in good condition and are looking for a way to get rid of it, consider donating it. Many national charities accept used mattresses, which are then resold or donated to families in need. The value of your mattress will depend on its condition, size, and brand. Be sure to check with the charity of your choice for more information.
Another option is to sell your mattress on an online marketplace. Sites like Craigslist and Freecycle allow you to post an ad with details about your mattress so that you can connect with potential buyers in your area. Be sure to clean your mattress before posting an ad so that it is in good condition.
You can also upcycle your mattress by breaking it down and using its parts for home decor or art projects. The springs, wood frame, and memory foam can all be reused for other purposes. Some examples include creating a wine rack from repurposed steel springs, dog beds, and bed-slat bookshelves.
If you’re unable to donate your mattress or sell it, consider hiring a junk removal service. These companies can take care of the entire disposal process and ensure that your mattress is disposed of properly. These services typically cost a little more than other junk removal options, but they offer convenience and peace of mind knowing that your old mattress will not end up in a landfill. You can even ask your junk removal company to handle other items in your home as well, such as old furniture and electronics. This saves you time and energy by allowing you to have one company take care of all your junk removal needs.
Recycling
If your mattress is still in good condition, donating it to a charity organization is a great way to give it a new life and keep it out of a landfill. Many local organizations will accept mattress donations, and they will often be able to provide the mattresses to families in need.
In some municipalities, you can set your mattress out at the curb on a special “heavy trash” day along with other large items, such as appliances and furniture. However, the rules and regulations for this service can vary widely, so check with your waste management company to find out exactly what is required. For example, some municipalities require that you place the mattress and box spring in a dumpster.
You may also be able to recycle your mattress at a recycling center. These facilities will take apart your mattress and sort through its components to recycle the parts that can be repurposed. For example, metal springs and coils can be melted down and used to make new products, while foam layers are recycled into carpet padding and other materials. Wood is recycled into mulch, and cotton fibers can be used as filters or in insulation.
If you have a lot of time and space to spare, you can also break down your mattress yourself and recycle its components separately. This will lessen the environmental impact of throwing away your mattress and save you money. You can use a utility knife to remove the piping along the mattress’s edges, and pliers or wire cutters can help you separate the inner springs from the foam. After separating the springs and other materials, you can bag them up for your local recycling center or scrap yard.
If you’re interested in recycling your old mattress, consider checking out websites like Earth 911, which has a searchable database of recycling centers across North America. Depending on the state and municipality you live in, you might be able to bring your mattress to one of these sites for free or for a small fee. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay a junk removal company to get rid of your mattress for you.
Curbside Pickup
When it’s time for a new mattress, you’ll need to figure out how to get rid of the old one. If you live in the city of New York, you have a few options. The Department of Sanitation has guidelines for disposing of mattresses and box springs. These requirements help the city manage waste effectively and prevent issues like bed bug infestations.
The best option for NYC residents is to use a junk removal company that offers curbside pickup. You can book a service online or over the phone and have your mattress, and any other items you need hauled away, picked up at a time that’s convenient for you. Generally, you’ll be charged based on how much space your items take up in the truck. You can also choose to have an upfront price quoted before you schedule a pick up, so you know what to expect.
If you’re interested in saving money, consider renting an eco-friendly dumpster from a junk removal company instead of paying for a full-service pickup. These bins are large enough to hold a full-size mattress and two or more box springs. They’re also easy to load and unload and can be placed at the curb for up to four weeks until your collection day.
Before placing your mattress and box springs at the curb for disposal, make sure they’re bagged in a plastic mattress sanitation bag. These bags can be purchased at retail, home improvement, and moving supply stores. They should be any color except red and orange, which are used to help prevent the spread of bed bugs during the collection process.
If you don’t mind a little DIY, you can break down your mattress and box springs yourself and recycle the parts. You can take the metal springs to a local scrap metal dealership, and you can use an electric carving knife to cut the foam into smaller pieces that are easier to recycle. Many recycling centers will take these items separately from the rest of your mattress. You can also use these recycled parts for door entrances, bicycle seats, hiking carpets, and other purposes.
Junk Removal
If you don’t want to deal with wrapping and hauling your old mattress yourself, there are junk removal services that will do it for a fee. You can find these by Googling “junk removal near me.” Many of these companies are environmentally conscious and will try to donate or recycle your mattress before throwing it away. They’re also a good option if you live in an apartment or other building that doesn’t allow you to place large items out for trash pickup.
You can also take apart your used mattress and recycle the parts yourself. For example, you can take the metal springs to a scrap yard and get paid for them. You can also reuse the fabric and wood slats as compost for your garden or use them as mulch. The wood might not be worth a lot, but it’s still better than throwing them in the garbage.
Many municipal recycling centers have a dedicated area for mattresses and other bulky waste. You can often find this information online, or you can call your local center to learn more about their disposal policies. Some may ask that you cut your mattress into smaller pieces before dropping it off, so it’s best to do this in advance.
In NYC, you can now place your mattress and box spring with your regular trash without needing to schedule a special collection. However, they must be sealed in a plastic bag to prevent the spread of bed bugs. If you don’t follow these rules, the city will fine you.
Some mattress retailers and manufacturers offer pick-up and disposal services for their customers. Check with the retailer where you purchased your mattress to see if they offer this service. If you live in an apartment or other building that prohibits dumping large items on the street, consider hiring a junk removal company that specializes in mattress recycling. These companies will prep and remove your mattress, then bring it to a commercial disposal facility.
If your mattress is infested with bed bugs, it’s important to note that many companies will not accept it. Check the EPA’s list of bed bug-free companies before you hire a junk removal company. You can also contact the National Pest Management Association to learn more about getting rid of an infested mattress.