How To Get Rid of an Old Mattress By Risa Kerslake

You’re considering upgrading to a new mattress, and you can’t wait to snuggle under the covers in something that’s supportive and comfortable. There’s only one problem. How do you get rid of your old mattress?  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through not only how to get rid of an old mattress but also some tips on recycling, donation, and even some do-it-yourself repurposing so you can get back to enjoying your new mattress purchase.

Assessing Your Mattress

First things first: You need to inspect your mattress to see what condition it’s really in. 

• Does it have rips, tears, or sagging? 

• Are there any stains or odors?

• How old is it? 

• What is your mattress made of? 

If your mattress is in decent shape, you may be able to donate or recycle it. But rips, stains, odors, and sagging might mean it should be disposed of. You also want to think about the cost of your different options. Some places will take your mattress for free, while others require a fee. 

Looking to upgrade your mattress? 

You should replace a mattress about every seven to 10 years, according to experts. When it’s time, invest in a new mattress that will give you exceptional support and pressure relief. 

The Aurora Luxe Cooling helps disperse body heat and the hybrid design brings plenty of breathability to help you sleep cooler. Or consider the Signature Hybrid that combines a durable coiling system with supportive foam layers for your best night’s sleep. Plus, after a decade or so, those coils might make some seriously cool vertical planters. Read on for more ideas.

Donation: Giving Your Mattress a Second Life

When a mattress is in good condition, meaning no bed bugs, big stains, or major wear and tear, you might consider donating it to a charity like:

• Salvation Army

• Habitat for Humanity’s Restore

• The Arc

• Furniture Bank Network

• Local shelters or transitional housing programs

Local thrift shops or charities may have policies in place for mattresses, so make sure you verify that first. You might also consider putting up a social media post or using your local Buy Nothing group to see if you can give directly to someone in need.

Clean your mattress before donating it by spot cleaning small stains, vacuuming to remove dust, and sprinkling on some baking soda to deodorize. 

Recycling: Reducing Landfill Waste

Did you know mattresses are about 75% recyclable? Recycling mattresses reduces landfill waste by taking the springs, foam, and wood and making them into something new and useful. There may be a community event where larger items can be collected for free. 

Go to Earth911 to locate mattress recycling opportunities in your area. Some ideas include:

• Bye Bye Mattress: Offered by the Mattress Recycling Council 

• A Bedder World: Offers residential pickup nationwide 

• Your city’s curbside pickup or local disposal service might offer specific timeframes where you can place your mattress with regular trash pickup

Some mattress brands will offer to take your old mattress to recycle when you purchase a new one, for free or for a fee. Brooklyn Bedding currently offers free disposal service to California residents. 

Disposal Services: Convenient and Hassle-Free Removal 

Many disposal services will take mattresses, like A Bedder World or Spring Back Recycling, and can either recycle the materials or dispose of the mattress responsibly in an environmentally-friendly manner. 

Shop around and compare prices, disposal methods, and company reputation. You might consider verifying the company’s commitment to eco-friendly disposal practices. These companies might be local or regional and usually will come to your house to pick up the mattress outside.

DIY Dismantling and Disposal: A Hands-on Approach

Some people want to take apart and dispose of the mattress at home, perhaps to save money, or reduce environmental impact. First, look into your city or town’s regulations for laws on disposing or recycling your mattress. 

Wear heavy gloves to avoid injuries from poking coils. Face masks can help with any dust that flies around when opening the mattress. Remove the covering carefully and separate out the foam layers. There may be adhesive you have to pull apart to separate these layers. These can be recycled. Pull out the coils, using tools if needed to separate them from the bed frame. Support bars or bed frames made of metal can be recycled for scrap metal. 

Each of these materials should be bagged up separately for recycling or donated for reuse. Check the policies for the facility you plan on using for specific steps you need to take.

Repurposing Your Mattress: Creative Uses for Old Bedding 

Most of the materials in a mattress can be repurposed into other uses around your home and garden. Here are some creative ways you can use mattress material to keep it out of a landfill:

• Use the old foam from your mattress to stuff a new pet bed for your furry friend.

• You can use the foam in your mattress to give furniture some extra boost and cushion. Or make pillows by shredding up the memory foam and stuff zippered pillow cases with the filling. 

• Use the coils to make fun household items like a wine rack or letter holder. 

• Make unique outdoor planters and light fixtures, or decorative grating for vines to climb using old coils. Trust us, Pinterest is full of ideas. Just make sure you’re being cautious about rust and sharp points. Wear gloves when you’re working with coils. 

Instead of your mattress winding up in a landfill, there are plenty of ways you can dispose of a mattress responsibly with a low carbon footprint. Choose the best option based on your own circumstances and priorities. Sustainability disposing of your mattress or repurposing the materials into something fun or useful brings important environmental benefits.