If you can’t find a recycling center that accepts whole mattresses or don’t have the time to break them down yourself, consider calling a junk removal company. They will handle the entire process of wrapping, transporting, and disposing of the mattress.
Some communities allow you to put a mattress out with the garbage for pickup, provided it is wrapped and securely tied. Check with your municipal office.
Mattresses are heavy items that can be difficult to transport to a donation drop-off location or recycling center. If you don’t have the time or energy to haul your mattress to a disposal site, some junk removal services offer a pick-up service for old mattresses and other bulk waste. Contact a few different junk removal companies to get price quotes and to find out whether they accept mattresses in your area.
Non-profit organizations and charities typically will accept used mattresses as donations, provided they are in good condition. These include Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity, which have local drop-off locations. Some charities even offer free home pick-ups. To be sure, call ahead, as each organization has its own rules about what they can and cannot accept.
Some charities will not accept mattresses that have a strong odor or that are stained, ripped, or infested with bed bugs. You may need to have a third party do the sniff test. For example, if the odor of an old mattress is particularly strong, try sprinkling it with baking soda for a few hours and then vacuuming it. This can help get rid of the odor and make your mattress suitable for donation.
Another option is to ask your mattress retailer for a donation pickup. Some retailers partner with charities to have old mattresses collected and recycled. You can also contact a junk removal service to have someone come to your house and remove your mattress for a fee. These companies are often licensed, bonded, and insured. Check online reviews to find a company with a good reputation in your neighborhood.
Many municipalities will recycle old mattresses by shredding them into wood chips. These are then used as mulch, compost, or as an alternative fuel source. In some cases, the wood chips are burned to heat homes and businesses. If you don’t want your mattress to end up in a landfill, contact your city’s trash and recycling office. It should be able to tell you where your nearest mattress recycling center is located. Be aware, however, that you will likely need to bag your mattress and box spring before placing them curbside for pickup.
Garbage Disposal
Some states and cities have rules against throwing away whole mattresses in your trash. Others have additional regulations about placing a mattress curbside for pickup. Check with the municipal office that deals on a local level with garbage disposal in your area to find out what your options are. Many of these offices have a special monthly or bi-weekly heavy trash day for bulk items like mattresses. Some municipalities may also have a recycling program, although it is important to call first to verify that they accept mattresses.
If your municipality allows you to throw a mattress in the trash, prepare it by wrapping it tightly with plastic sheeting or a sturdy material such as a tarp. Set it on the curb for garbage collection on your designated day, making sure it is not blocking traffic or pedestrians. During bed bug season, you should make sure to wrap it in a plastic mattress bag to prevent the spread of the bugs.
You can also donate your old mattress to a nonprofit organization. Nonprofits such as Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity often accept used mattresses, but it is always best to call first to see what their guidelines are. Most of the time, they will be able to take mattresses in good condition, even if they are soiled or damaged.
Another option is to have your junk removal service pick up your mattress. Most of the time, this is a cheaper alternative to hiring a specialty junk removal service, and it can be done fairly quickly. It is a good idea to cut up your mattress into smaller pieces, like wood and foam, before having them picked up. This makes them easier to transport and helps you avoid paying extra for unnecessary bulk.
Some cities, such as NYC, have specific rules about putting a mattress in the trash. You should call your local trash management company to see what their rules are about this, and follow them to avoid a fine. In NYC, you should also put the mattress in a sealed plastic garbage bag to avoid the spread of bed bugs.
Recycling
Mattress recycling is a great option for those looking to lower their environmental footprint and find sustainable ways to dispose of old mattresses. Many cities and states are struggling with overflowing landfills and finite trash space, which has made recycling an important priority in recent years.
When you recycle a mattress, it is broken down into its individual parts and recycled for raw materials or repurposed for different uses. The metal and box spring components are often sold to scrap recyclers or melted down into new steel parts, while the foam and fabric is turned into carpet underlayment or animal bed padding.
The best way to recycle a mattress is to contact a local waste disposal service that specializes in mattresses. These companies will often have a separate facility for mattress recycling, and may charge a fee to take it off your hands. You can also check online for local recycling centers that offer mattress pick-up services.
If you are unable to find a recycling center near you, you can try breaking down your own mattress and its components to recycle them individually. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is one of the most environmentally friendly options available. Make sure you have the necessary tools and space before starting, and always wear sturdy gloves. Start by removing the mattress’s inner springs and wood frame, then break down the foam into smaller pieces to make it easier to transport. Foam can be used as insulation, while the metal springs can be taken to a scrap metal dealership that will pay you for them.
Repurposing
Mattresses contain a large number of materials that can be recycled to create other products. Unfortunately, many of these mattresses end up in landfills where they can take years to break down and release chemicals into the soil, air and water that can harm the environment. Fortunately, there are several ways to sustainably dispose of an old mattress and box spring, including donation, recycling, repurposing or throwing away.
Repurposing is the process of turning an old product into a new one, such as using it as a pet bed or a bench. Repurposing is often a good choice for old mattress disposal, as it reduces waste and saves money by not having to purchase raw materials. It can also help to save space, which is particularly important in cities where there are limited space and resources for waste management.
Almost all mattresses can be reused in some way, whether they are whole or disassembled. The most common method is to use them as a repurposed rug, carpet pad or floor covering in a basement, garage or workshop. Many repurposed mattresses can also be sold on resale websites.