Can I Dump The Old Mattress In The Trash
If theres no pick-up option or you cant find a recycling facility in your area, you can take the mattress to a landfill. This is usually the last resort. As you do this, you should know that there are serious environmental consequences.
Its estimated that every year, over 20 million mattresses end up in a landfill in the U.S. But the problem with such kind of trash is that they release methane which contributes heavily to climate change. Many landfills will charge a fee of about $30. Its worth mentioning that some landfills will have a limit on how many mattresses you can dispose of per year.
The Importance Of Investing In A Quality Mattress
With mattresses, you really do get what you pay for. A sturdy, high-quality mattress will keep you feeling comfortable and well-supported for years to come and some, like Hastens, may last generations. Cheaper mattresses may leave you feeling uncomfortable or even in pain after only a few years and require replacement. Thats why its so important to spend as much as you comfortably can on a good mattress that will last.
Comfort is subjective, but some good things to look for in a mattress include:
- The mattress holds your entire body and keeps your hips supported
- Its comfortable on pressure points such as your head, shoulders, hips, and knees
- Lets your muscles relax throughout your body especially those in your back
Shopping for a new mattress can be a daunting experience, but it doesnt have to be. If youre in the market for something new, check out my guide on how to choose a mattress.
Whether youre getting rid of your old mattress or looking for a new one, you shouldnt be losing sleep over your mattress!
Sweet Dreams,
Michael J. Breus, PhD, D, ABSM FAASM
The Sleep Doctor
Can Mattresses Be Put In A Dumpster Where I Live
If you are renting a dumpster for a home cleanup or specific project, contact our team to learn about accepted materials and mattress disposal rules in your area beforehand. There may be an additional charge for each mattress or box spring you are disposing of due to local fees charged by the landfill or transfer station.
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How To Figure Out When It’s Time For A New Mattress
Before you plan how to get rid of your mattress, you should consider whether you actually need to dispose of it.
Generally, people get rid of mattresses when they purchase a new one. Here are a few signs that it may be time to buy a new mattress:
- Sagging: If your mattress has begun sagging in the middle, it can no longer provide adequate support. Buying a new one can save you the back pain that may occur when sleeping on an unsupportive mattress.
- Discoloration: Mattresses typically change color slightly over time due to the oxidation of the outer cover. However, if your mattress is excessively discolored, it may be time for a new one.
- Allergies: Innerspring mattresses accumulate dust, dirt, skin cells, hair, and other allergens over time. If you’ve begun experiencing allergies in the mornings, it could be time to replace your mattress with a fresh, allergen-free one.
Find Out More:How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Can I Burn My Mattress
No. Not only is burning your old mattresses illegal, but it is also ineffective and dangerous. Burning a mattress can release toxic fumes, and it will not destroy the entire mattress. The fumes released can be dangerous to you and any plant or animal life in your vicinity.
For your own safety, we strongly urge that you do not burn mattresses.
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Repurpose The Memory Foam
There are many ways to repurpose your old memory foam topper instead of throwing it away or dealing with having it recycled.
- Create pet beds for your dog or cat
- Place it on an old bed frame and make a trundle bed for your kids
- Cut it up and make pillows or stuff saggy couch cushions
If your foam mattress topper isnt in terrible shape, it might be worth holding on to. Any overnight guests you have in the future would likely appreciate the added comfort of plush memory foam to their bed. Especially after a long stretch of traveling.
Some people have even been known to use them to cover plants in the colder months or to cut the mattress pad up into rags for cleaning.
If youre about as crafty as a potato or just dont have the time to deal with the thing, using a is likely going to be the easiest way to get rid of your old mattress pad.
Option : Donate To Charity
After evaluating the condition of your old mattress and you find that it is still in usable condition, you might want to consider donating your used mattress to someone in need. If you were planning to just get rid of it anyway, why not do a good deed and let the mattress finish out its lifespan in good use. There are many charitable organizations that would be happy to receive a lightly used mattress such as homeless shelters and domestic violence centers. You could donate your unwanted bed to help a family that has lost everything in a fire, earthquake, hurricane, or other natural disasters. You can rest easy knowing your former bed is helping someone less fortunate have a good nights sleep. Learn what organizations accept mattresses and in what conditions.
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Stains Paints And Lacquers
These are items you are not allowed to place in a rental dumpster, including paint thinners, wood stains, lacquers, etc. However, latex paints are an exception. Simply allow any leftover latex paint you cannot use to solidify . When hardened and dried, you can place it in the dumpster.
The empty paint containers can then be recycled with materials in your curbside bins.
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Option : Sell Your Mattress
If your mattress is lightly used and still in good condition, why not try to sell it? You could not only put the extra income towards your new mattress, but you could also be helping out someone that cant afford a brand new mattress. Additionally, you are making a smart monetary decision by getting a return on your initial investment. There are plenty of ways to find a new home for your old mattress that take little to no work and zero investment on your end.
Craigslist is a popular classified online posting website and is available in nearly every city in the United States. It is fairly easy to post an ad in your local area for free by offering to sell your gently used mattress and anyone interested in buying can get in touch with you through the site. Make sure to take an attractive picture to entice buyers and make sure you have someone with you when the customer visits for safety!
Facebook Marketplace is another great way to post your mattress or other furniture items for sale. On Marketplace, you can find local people looking to buy a used mattress at a cheaper cost than purchasing a brand new one. You can also make the post public and it will be seen by others in your area and in your larger network of mutual friends and family. Make sure to upload a nice picture and respond quickly for faster selling.
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Plenty Of Factors Affect The Quality Of Your Sleep And Rest
Everything from leaving a light on to facing added stress at work can prevent sleep from having actual restorative effects, even if you fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.
While there is no disputing that many things contribute to sleep quality, perhaps the biggest factor is sleep environment. This means sleeping somewhere that is a comfortable temperature with quality bedding and, of course, a good mattress.
If you often find yourself waking up and feeling like you have not slept at all, it may be time to invest in a new mattress. So once you have decided to update your mattress, what should you do with the old one?
Let’s examine the best ways to address mattress disposal.
Best Ways To Dispose Of An Old Mattress
You might think that putting your old mattress into the local dumpster is the best and most convenient way to get rid of it. However, you should try several other options before resorting to illegal, wasteful, or potentially hazardous dumping.
Getting rid of your old mattress is as easy as following five steps. Just be sure to:
If your old mattress and box spring are in awful shape, you can recycle them and repurpose the parts, making new objects. And if none of these options appeals to you, take heart in knowing that many mattress purveyors offer free mattress removal services upon delivering your new mattress!
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How Do Dumpster Rentals Work In New Jersey
Pricing on your Dumpster Can Depend on the Following Variables:
- Your Location Dumping in New Jersey is restricted to the same county your dumpster rental is located in)
- Size of the Dumpster 10 yd, 20 yd, 30 yd and 40 yd.
- Materials Disposing of recyclable material such as concrete may reduce your cost compared to other types of waste.
So it is always important to get a custom quote when renting a dumpster.
Where Can I Donate A Mattress Near Me
However, you cant donate a used mattress to charity. Charities cant legally accept a used mattress donation, even if its in the original packaging. You also want to make sure when donating any other used furniture items that they are still in excellent, working condition.
The truth is, youll probably have to haul your unwanted furniture to the landfill or recycling center yourself if you want to have it disposed of responsibly.
This means having to rent a truck, pay high disposal fees, and get someone to help you haul everything. Especially if you arent physically able to carry a sofa or mattress around, disposing of old furniture on your own probably isnt your best option.
Avoid the hassle and frustration of furniture disposal by calling a trusted furniture removal service like LoadUp to haul away and responsibly dispose of your old furniture for you.
When you book a pickup with LoadUp to haul away and dispose of your old furniture, you save yourself tons of time and energy.
LoadUp provides excellent furniture and junk removal service at an honest, affordable price while using eco-friendly disposal methods, all across the United States.
LoadUp disposes of the junk they pick up by donating items to local charities or taking them to the local transfer station to be recycled, so they have less overhead disposal fees and are able to charge customers an average of 20-30% less than most other junk haulers.
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Selling Donating And Recycling Your Mattress
Many recycling centers offer mattress recycling. Theyll disassemble the mattress, remove the springs, and upcycle as much as possible.
Kathryn Kellogg
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Environmental Guidelines For Getting Rid Of What Is Not Allowed In Dumpsters:
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Donate or recycle e-waste, like cell phones, computers, tablets or printers. Search for an e-waste recycler near you.
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Deliver used motor oil to a local oil change facility for appropriate recycling
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Most auto part stores and repair shops will recycle car batteries. Occasionally you can get a deposit for returning it to where you bought it.
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Take your used tires to a tire changing facility for salvaging. Or consider putting them on an Online Location such as Craigslist free. What you ponder as junk may not be junk to someone else!
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The Fee & Where To Recycle
- The fee collected per unit in California applies to mattresses and box springs sold as of December 30, 2015. The recycling fee, as approved by the state, is $10.50.
- California residents can drop off their old mattresses and box springs at no-cost at a participating collection site or event. Unit limits vary by location and a residency restrictions may apply. We recommend contacting the location prior to drop-off.
- A $3 incentive per unit is available at select locations. It is limited to 5 units per vehicle per day. The incentive is only available for residents dropping off their household units.
- Businesses may make their own drop-off arrangements with participating recyclers or sites that accept commercial volume. Those with at least 100 units may qualify for no-cost transportation. See the Commercial Volume Program page or contact Joy Broussard for details, [email protected].
Disposing Of Your Mattress
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Looking For Signs Of Bed Bugs
A more accurate way to identify a possible infestation is to look for physical signs of bed bugs. When cleaning, changing bedding, or staying away from home, look for:
- Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed.
- Dark spots, which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.
- Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
- Live bed bugs.
Closeup of blood on a chair
Contaminated Soils And Absorbents
Given that hazardous materials are not allowed in a dumpster, it follows that anything contaminated with hazardous materials like contaminated soil, mulch, etc. also cannot be put in a dumpster.
To dispose of contaminated soils and absorbents, contact your state EPA or look up your nearest household hazardous waste drop-off center.
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When Should I Recycle My Mattress
You should replace your mattress, on average, every eight to 10 years. This will vary somewhat depending on the brand and how heavily used the mattress is.
Mattresses that are damaged, stained, or visibly discolored may need to be replaced earlier. Some mattress brands can last longer than 10 years.
Do I Need To Pay To Dispose Of A Mattress
Mattress removal costs depend on the number of mattresses you need to get rid of on average, a junk removal service will charge $120 to $175. Before you decide to hire help or call your local sanitation service to collect your mattress, find out if the manufacturer’s warranty still covers your mattress.
The mattress’s lifespan won’t necessarily match the timeline of the warranty, and it only covers defects not caused by the customer. However, if you’re trying to get rid of a lightly used mattress, these defects are typically included in what’s covered by a mattress warranty:
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