Why Recycle Your Old Mattress
So why should you go to the effort of getting your mattress to a recycler who is going to save it from landfill?
According to Planet Ark, as many as 1.8 million mattresses end up in general waste in Australia each year, where each one takes up almost 0.75 cubic metres of valuable space and may spend over 100 years breaking down in landfill.
As many as 1.8 million mattresses end up in general waste in Australia each year … and may spend over 100 years breaking down in landfill
CHOICE expert Peter Zaluzny says the design of mattresses also makes them unwieldy additions to the general waste at your local tip.
“They’re big sponges and in landfill they get heavy, which makes them difficult to move. It’s also best to avoid putting any sort of manufactured stuff in landfill, because when it gets rained on, the fillings inside can leak out with the water runoff.”
This is especially troubling when you consider that many of the main components inside a mattress have recycling potential, as Soft Landings’ Chris Richards explains.
“By sending to landfill, you straight away lose all of the value in the mattress through the recoverable components: polyurethane foam and steel springs,” says Richards.
On any given day, Soft Landing has as many as 30 trucks bringing in up to a thousand mattresses to its recycling facilities across Australia
“We manually deconstruct them by hand, pull the outer layers off, recover the usable foam and the steel spring sets,” Richards says.
Mattress Disposal Methods To Avoid
While there are several choices for consumers who want to get rid of their old mattresses for free, not all of them provide the same level of speed, convenience, and flexibility as a mattress removal service. RecycleZone can provide quick and effective mattress removal services, with same-day pickups available . Our skilled furniture removal team will take care of everything for you, making the procedure as easy and stress-free as possible.
The Complete Mattress Disposal Guide
Wondering how to get rid of that old mattress? Despite being bulky and heavy, there are several convenient ways to dispose of mattresses, including renting a dumpster, donating and recycling it.
A gently-used mattress can be donated, but if yours is old and worn out, youâll need to throw it away. Weâve compiled the best mattress and box spring disposal options so you can find the most efficient method for your needs.
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How To Get Rid Of A Mattress: A Guide For Every State
Are you wondering how to get rid of a mattress you dont have a need for anymore? Youve got options no matter where you live! The best way is to recycle it. The old steel, foam, fibers, wood, and other materials can be used to create new products.
Below we share resources to help you decide how to get rid of a mattress and rest easy knowing you did the right thing.
How Much Can You Sell A Mattress For
In general, the fair market price for a used mattress ranges between 20-30% of the original retail price. As a result, if you paid $1,000 for a memory foam mattress, you should be able to sell it for $200 to $300.
A used mattress is frequently a good value for a variety of reasons. Here are a few simple tricks to make a mattress sale more profitable for you: you should care for your mattress first and foremost. Some brands sell better when they have been on the market for a long time. If the mattress is in good condition and has a good brand name, it will be accepted at a second hand store. A third-party online bidding site can be used as a secondary method of selling. You may be subject to state law if you sell your mattress in a store or online. There will be more buyers for mattresses made of non-smoking, pet-free materials than anything else that might contain leftover allergens. Make sure you take pictures of the bed in the best light to back up your claims, and provide photos of the bed after it has been cleaned. If youve ever sold a used mattress, please let us know what worked for you.
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Bulky Waste Removal Service
If you are based in Greater London, Birmingham or Leicester , with our new bulky waste service you can pay just for the mattress to be taken away rather than over paying for a quarter van size. If you’re in one of the areas we offer it then you could make a decent saving!
We hope reading this has shown you how to get rid of a mattress in a way that is best for you and best for the environment. Get in touch to find out more about our rubbish removal services or to book your mattress disposal today!
Will The Local Tip Take A Mattress
Your local tip will probably take old mattresses, but to get it there youll need a vehicle and one that’s big enough to fit a mattress in. If you have a car but your boot is too small to fit the mattress when flat, you might find that it fits if you roll the mattress up and fasten it with rope.
But that’s a lot of effort to go to when the mattress might well just end up in landfill anyway. You might decide youd rather go to the extra effort of taking it to a dedicated recycling facility, or pay for the convenience of the council or a specialist disposal company to collect it from your home.
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Retailer Will Your New Mattress Retailer Take It Away
Many mattress retailers will take away your old mattress if you buy your new one from them. Some charge and a few offer the service for free.
Below is a table showing how much the major retailers charge to collect and dispose of your old mattress. Be aware that this service is only available if you buy a new mattress from them at the same time:
How To Get The Pee Smell Out Of A Mattress
If youve already cleaned up your mattress but it still smells of urine, there are a few different things you can try.
As outlined in our mattress cleaning guide, simply spreading baking soda out over the mattress is surprisingly effective. Baking soda is unique in that it actually absorbs odors, rather than just masking them. The basic pH of baking soda helps to neutralize the generally acidic odors of urine, while its tendency to absorb liquid helps to draw out any remaining moisture.
For best results in neutralizing urine odors in your mattress, spread a thin layer of baking soda out over the entire mattress surface. If a specific area smells more strongly, you can use a slightly thicker layer of baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit, uncovered, for 5 to 10+ hours, and then vacuum it. Repeat as needed.
Another option is to use a vinegar solution, as discussed above. Use a 50/50 mixture of cold water and distilled white vinegar. You can also consider adding a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to help cover up any unpleasant smells. Apply it to the surface of your mattress using a spray bottle, and allow it to air-dry fully. Then, use baking soda to remove any remaining moisture, and to neutralize the strong vinegar smell from the cleaning solution.
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Donate Your Used Mattress To Charity
Check with your local non-profits to see if any will be able to put the mattress to use. Depending on health department regulations in your area, organizations like The Salvation Army and Goodwill might be able to take a used mattress off your hands. Habitat for Humanity, churches, and homeless shelters can also be good places to check. Once youve secured a place that will take your old mattress, book a Dolly to bring your mattress to its new home.
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?
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Where To Dispose Of A Mattress
Check with your town or local government to figure out where you can dispose of your mattress. There are usually local dumps or landfills where you can take your mattress, or there are rules about days that you can leave a mattress on a curb to be taken away by municipal sanitation workers. If your mattress is recyclable, look into recycling centers that can take the mattress.
Selling Used Mattresses In Florida
In most parts of the United States, you can resell a used mattress as long as it meets certain packaging and processing requirements. Because used mattress sale laws vary from state to state, you should double-check with your local government to see if there are any restrictions. Before a used mattress can be sold in Florida, it must first be sanitized. So, if you want to sell your used mattress in Florida, you should follow the states sanitizing regulations.
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Option : Resell It Or Give It Away
If your mattress is in good shape and recycling or donating arent options for you, try reselling it. You may not make a ton of money, but you never know someone in your network might need a used mattress and be interested in purchasing it from you. Take advantage of your social media channels by posting that you have a used mattress up for grabs. You can also utilize online marketplaces like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, or Craigslist. Just post a picture of your mattress on one of these sites and offer up a price. When all else fails, you can list it as free on Craigslist.
Follow Manufacturer Cleaning Directions
In order to maintain the health and cleanliness of your mattress, it is essential that you clean your mattress on a regular basis.
Most mattresses should be vacuumed with a hose attachment to eliminate surface dust before following the stain removal and general cleaning instructions provided by many manufacturers.
Its best to wait to make the bed until the stains have completely dried before using a gentle water and soap solution. Foams can be damaged by harsh chemical cleaners, so be careful while using them.
Vacuuming should be done every one to three months, depending on the degree of dust, allergies, or personal preference, and stains should be cleaned as needed with spot treatments.
Although the care and maintenance of various mattress kinds and brands may fluctuate slightly, the fundamentals remain the same. As a general rule, maintain the bed clean, protect it from accidents and damage, make sure its supported, and rotate it so it wears evenly over time.
The lifespan of a mattress is highly variable, but by following some best practices, you can make sure that you get the most out of your investment and may sleep soundly for many years to come. Know that a 10-year mattress guarantee is the industry norm, regardless of whether youre shopping at a brick-and-mortar store or a new bed in a box mattress company.
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Why Are My Sheets Pilling And How Do I Get Rid Of It
Pilling sheets can be a pain. What once felt silky and smooth now has an uneven and fuzzy texture. Pilling can happen to many types of sheets, no matter the price point. But the real question is: Why are my sheets pilling and how do I get rid of it?
Thats what were here for! Keep reading to learn more about what causes this annoying issue and how you can make your sheets feel as good as new.
How To Prevent Bad Smells From Developing On Your Mattress In The First Place
We all know the feeling of crawling into bed after a long day, only to be met with an unpleasant smell coming from our mattress. Whether its musty, sweaty, or just plain bad, a smelly mattress is not only unpleasant for you, but can also be a sign of unhealthy conditions in your home.
So, how do you get rid of bad smells from your mattress, and more importantly, how do you prevent them from coming back?
Here are a few tips:
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Return The Mattress To The Manufacturer
If youre purchasing a new mattress to replace the one you want to get rid of, ask the retailer if you can take your old one and return it to the manufacturer. With an estimated 50,000 mattresses being disposed of each day in the United States, many manufacturers are taking on the task of mattress recycling themselves.
Wash Bed Linens Regularly
Your body sheds perspiration, oils, hair, and skin cells during the course of the night. In addition to the crumbs that are left behind when one eats in bed, pets can bring in all kinds of other items. Bacteria and dust mites thrive in mattress layers that are infested with disgusting stuff.
Most housekeeping professionals recommend washing bed sheets and blankets every week to every two weeks. The cleanliness of your sheets is essential even if youre wearing a mattress protector. Mattress protectors should also be washed on a regular basis, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Can You Donate A Mattress
If your mattress is still in good condition, consider donating it to charity or giving it away free. That way you can help someone in need, as well as ensuring that it doesn’t end up in landfill.
Organisations such as British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross and Emmaus will resell your mattress and put the proceeds towards a good cause. Several other charities also accept mattress donations, so if there’s a cause you particularly want to support, its worth contacting the charity directly.
As a general rule, these organisations will collect your mattress free of charge, but they might request that you send images first to prove that it’s of acceptable quality. Any organisation accepting a mattress donation will expect it to be fit for use, clean and have a fire label intact.
Another way to ensure your mattress stays out of landfill sites is to use a non-profit initiative such as Freecycle, or your local equivalent group, which can put you in touch with someone in the local area looking for a free second-hand mattress.
How Can I Dispose Of A Mattress And Box Spring
The same way that you can dispose of a mattress. Just make sure when youre deciding how to dispose of your mattress, you also speak to whoever is helping you about including the box spring. There may be extra fees, or you may have to handle the box springs disposal separately if your mattress was still under warranty and can be returned. Many times, box springs are made of materials that are recyclable and can be brought to a recycling plant or center.
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How To Dispose Of A Mattress For Free
There are various solutions accessible to those who want to get rid of their mattress for free, but its vital to weigh the benefits and downsides before making a decision.
Lets look at different methods of disposing of a mattress for zero cost, whilst detailing the potential difficulties you may encounter when going down this route.
