Upgrading your mattress for a brand new one is always exciting, but first, you must dispose of your old mattress. What is the best way to do this, even if you don’t have the ability to haul it off yourself?
To dispose of a mattress, you can recycle it by calling your local recycling program and asking about their requirements and if they offer pick up services. If you decide to throw away your mattress, you can call to find out when your local waste management program does pick up for larger items. In some areas, you can simply put your mattress by the street for regular pick up of large items, but be sure to check if this is a service offered in your area.
If pick up is not offered, you may need to pay to have your mattress hauled off or you can take it to a landfill or transfer station on your own. Before disposing of your mattress, make sure to remove any personal information or sensitive data that may be stored on it, and to strip it of any materials that can be recycled, such as metal springs or wooden frames.
Recycling a mattress
You will need to call your local recycling program to ask if they accept mattresses and if there are any steps you need to take before dropping off your old mattress. In some cases, you may need to disassemble the mattress and remove certain components, such as the fabric and foam, before it can be recycled or this may be something they do at the facility.
Once you have prepared the mattress for recycling, you can typically drop it off at a recycling center or arrange for it to be picked up. At the recycling center, the mattress will be taken apart and the various components will be separated and recycled.
For example, the metal springs may be melted down and made into new metal products, while the foam may be shredded and used as padding or insulation.
Recycling a mattress is a responsible way to dispose of it, and it can help to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution. By recycling your mattress, you can prevent it from ending up in a landfill, where it can take up space and produce greenhouse gasses.
Can you donate a used mattress?
Yes, you can donate a gently used mattress to a variety of organizations, such as charities, thrift stores, and furniture banks. Before donating your mattress, make sure to clean it thoroughly and remove any stains or odors.
You should also check with the organization to make sure they accept used mattresses, and to find out about any specific requirements they may have.
Some organizations that may accept used mattresses include:
- Charities: Many charities, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, accept used mattresses as donations. If these charities are not accepting mattresses to resell, they usually offer a free recycling program for your old mattress.
- Furniture banks: Furniture banks are organizations that collect gently used furniture and household items and distribute them to people who are transitioning out of homelessness or living in poverty. Some furniture banks may accept used mattresses, so check with your local furniture bank to see if they are in need of donations.
- Thrift stores: Thrift stores are retail establishments that sell gently used clothing, furniture, and household items at discounted prices. Many thrift stores accept used mattress donations, and they may sell the mattresses in their stores, give them to people in need or recycle them.
By donating your used mattress, you can help to support a worthy cause and provide a useful item to someone who may not be able to afford a new mattress.
Who picks up old mattresses?
Old mattresses can typically be picked up by your local waste management company or a specialized mattress removal service. To arrange for pickup, you will need to contact the company or service and schedule a pickup time.
In some cases, you may need to pay a fee for the pickup service, and you may need to prepare the mattress for pickup by disassembling it or removing certain components.
Your local waste management company is responsible for collecting and disposing of the waste generated in your community, and they may offer a special pickup service for large or bulky items such as mattresses. To find out if your local waste management company offers this service, and to schedule a pickup, contact them directly.
Alternatively, you can use a specialized mattress removal service, which is a company that specializes in picking up “junk” and disposing of old mattresses and other household items.
These services are typically available in major cities, and they can often pick up your mattress on the same day or within a few days of your request. To find a mattress removal service in your area, you can search online or ask for recommendations from friends or family.