If you are a handy person, you can break down your old mattress into its components and sell or recycle them. However, this can be a time-consuming option. Many cities have recycling centers that accept whole mattresses and may even charge a small fee for pickup.

Recycling

Mattresses are often recycled rather than thrown out in landfills, as they can be broken down and used for different purposes. For example, foam and fabric are repurposed as carpet padding or insulation material, while steel springs go to scrap metal recyclers or mills to be turned into new products. Even the wood from box springs can be reused to make shipping pallets.

You may also find local recycling centers that offer mattress recycling for a fee, or you might be able to donate your old one to non-profit organizations like Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul. The best way to determine if your local recycling center or non-profit organization accepts donated mattresses is to call ahead and ask before you bring it to the drop off site.

Some state governments and recycling companies have set up specific programs for the disposal of old mattresses. The nonprofit group Bye Bye Mattress, for instance, has a website that lists locations where you can drop off your old mattress for free or for low cost. Other websites like Earth911 provide similar information for recycling centers in the US and Canada.

Another option is to break down your old mattress into its raw parts and recycle them individually. The metal springs and wood components of a mattress can be sold at your local scrap yard or recycling center for a few dollars each, while the foam can be taken to a manufacturer to be turned into new material. This method, however, requires a lot of time and effort on your part to break down the mattress and ferry its individual parts here and there for recycling.

You may also be able to donate your old mattress to your local residential or commercial facilities that house people overnight, such as universities, hotels, or hospitals. Many of these facilities have connections with local mattress recyclers and can help you dispose of your old one in a way that is compliant with local waste management regulations.

Donation

Donating your old mattress to a non-profit organization is another method of mattress disposal that can help keep it out of the landfill and provide someone less fortunate with a comfortable bed. Many local Goodwill locations accept used mattresses, as do some Furniture Bank Network centers and the Salvation Army. You can find more information on these and other organizations by searching online, or call ahead to make sure they will take yours.

Some local recycling centers or waste management programs will also take whole mattresses. The metal and wood can be repurposed for other uses, while the foam and fabric can be recycled into carpet padding and insulation material. You may need to call first to see if these places will accept the full mattress, and if so, to learn what their standards are.

You can also ask local mattress retailers if they have partnerships with donation programs or charities, and offer to pick up your old bed when you purchase a new one. This can be especially convenient if you have the space to store the old mattress in the meantime, and it can save you the hassle of finding a place to dispose of it.

Another option is to contact a local specialty recycling program or recycling center and have them break down your mattress into its parts for you. This can be a great choice if you are handy with power tools and don’t mind taking the time to dismantle your mattress. Then you can donate the components separately, or repurpose them for use around your home, such as using the wood to build DIY projects, or using the fabric as cleaning rags.

It’s also worth checking with family and friends, to see if anyone needs a bed or would be interested in picking up your used mattress. This is often a better option than reaching out to complete strangers, since people you know will be more likely to be honest about whether they want your old mattress or not. However, be sure the mattress is in good condition – don’t donate or sell a mattress that has bed bugs, mold, or other infestations. These are unsafe and unpleasant for both the people who will sleep on it and those who handle the mattress when it is donated or sold.

Curbside Pickup

Depending on your city’s rules, it might be possible for you to recycle your mattress or at least have it taken away by the garbage service. Most municipalities offer bulk waste pick up to their citizens and many include mattresses in this category. However, there are some strict guidelines to follow if you want your mattress to be picked up and not end up in the landfill.

Most importantly, if you’re going to place your mattress curbside, make sure it’s bagged! This is a requirement in NYC and it helps prevent the spread of bed bugs. You can purchase these bags online or at many retailers.

Once your mattress is in a plastic bag, you’ll need to set it out for pickup with your trash. Most garbage services pick up large items like mattresses on the same day that they collect regular trash. However, you’ll need to check your municipality’s website for specific details about the schedule and any other restrictions.

If you’re buying a new mattress, ask the retailer to take your old one away when you make your purchase. Most retailers partner with mattress recycling programs and non-profit organizations for donation options. However, it’s important to call ahead as every charity tends to have different acceptance criteria.

Another option is to bring your mattress to a local recycling center, where they’ll be broken down into raw materials and reused to create newer mattresses. You can find a list of recycling centers in your area by searching on Google or the website for your municipal waste management department.

If you have a lot of unwanted clutter in your home, a junk removal company can help you get rid of it quickly and easily. They can also help you recycle your mattress, saving you money and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Be sure to call a reputable junk removal service that will handle your mattress with care. A service like Jiffy Junk can provide this and more for you with their eco-friendly services. Contact them today for a free estimate.

Junk Removal

Over 18.2 million mattresses are thrown out each year, contributing to our nation’s growing landfill problem. Fortunately, many types of mattresses can be reused, recycled, or upcycled to help avoid ending up in the trash. In fact, as much as 90% of a mattress can be recycled. To find a local recycling center, check out the Earth 911 Recycling Directory or 1-800-Got-Junk? In some cities, you can also donate or sell your used mattress to charities that help families in need.

If you’re unable to recycle or donate your mattress, it may be necessary to throw it away. However, if you’re considering throwing your old mattress in the trash, make sure you do some research first. Many municipalities have laws or regulations regarding garbage disposal, and putting your mattress in the trash without following proper procedures could result in a fine or even garbage pickup refusal.

For example, some cities require you to wrap your mattress in plastic or a mattress bag before it can be picked up with your regular garbage. Some places also have a monthly or bi-weekly heavy trash day for bulk items like mattresses. If you’re unsure about your city’s garbage rules, it’s always best to call the municipal office that handles waste management and ask for details.

You can also look into junk removal services that specialize in hauling away large, bulky items. These companies typically charge a fee for their service, but they can save you time and money by taking care of the entire process for you. Many also try to recycle or donate furniture and other items before resorting to throwing them away, so you can feel good about entrusting your old mattress to one of these companies.

If you’re unable to find a place for your mattress, consider calling your local scrap metal dealer. These companies often pay for used and old metals, including the metal springs found in most mattresses. If you have the tools and space, you can also break down your mattress and box spring yourself to recycle the parts, rather than just throwing them away.