What Options Are Available For Mattress Disposal
There are a number of ways to dispose of a mattress. Depending on where you live, some options may be easier than others, and some may be free while others will require you to pay.
In some cases, you will be getting rid of a mattress because you purchased a new one, in which case you can ask the new mattresss retailer if they offer a service to dispose of your old mattress.
Its also a good idea to research local options for large trash pickup, recycling, donation, or even creative reuse. Heres what you should know about five different mattress disposal options.
Recycle Your Old Mattress
Although mattress materials are not typically biodegradable, most of them can be repurposed once the mattress is taken apart:
- The springs and coils can be melted and made into new objects
- The wood can be chipped and burned for fuel or used in mulch
- The foams can be shredded for carpet padding or moving pads
- The cotton and other fibers can be used in insulation or filters
More than 50 mattress recycling programs exist in North America now. Most of them accept used mattresses for a processing fee of $15 or less, and many of them are nonprofits that benefit local communities. Some provide pick-up services while others require drop off.
Source: East Bay Times
To identify recycling facilities in your area, you can visit Earth911.org and explore their directory by zip code. You can also research nearby facilities on the International Sleep Products Association website or through, an organization created to battle the effects of overflowing landfills. If youre buying a new mattress, ask your online or local retail source if they partner with any recycling programs in your area.
Remember that state laws may apply where you live. To learn more about laws that may impact you, you can visit the Programs by State section found on Bye-Bye Mattress.
Ways To Recycle Memory Foam
Memory foam can be recycled .
However, memory foam is made from polyurethane a polymer of plastic that once manufactured into a foam cannot be broken down to make a non-foam, polyurethane product it can only be shredded to make new memory foam or other foam-based products like the padding for car seats .
For example, a memory foam mattress cant be recycled to make a non-foam product like a watchband, and must instead be cut up using a machine to be repurposed as shown in the video below.
Furthermore, a large amount of manual work is required to actually get the memory foam out of the mattress pushing up time and costs to the point where manufacturers of memory foam products typically find it cheaper to create them from scratch using fresh polyurethane.
This means that whilst memory foam toppers and pillows are easier to recycle than a memory foam mattress because you dont have to cut through several deeper layers to get to the memory foam, theres typically not much demand for reclaimed memory foam.
This can make it difficult to find a recycling center near you that will take your memory foam mattress, topper, or pillows.
But it is possible.
And in the rest of this article, Im going to show you 4 ways to recycle or otherwise dispose of your memory foam mattress, pillows, or topper in a way thats more eco friendly than just dumping them in the trash.
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How Long Does A Pocket Sprung Mattress Last
A good pocket sprung mattress should comfortably last between eight and 10 years. Of the 81 spring mattress weve tested, more than half of them earn four stars or more in our tough durability tests.
After measuring the height, firmness and supportiveness of every mattress we test, we then simulate up to a decade of use by rolling a heavy barrel over the mattress 30,000 times. To do well in our durability tests, a mattress must maintain its supportiveness, firmness and height.
Our pick of the best pocket sprung mattresses will help you pick out a long-lasting option, but you have to do your bit, too. To maximise the life of your pocket sprung mattress, its essential that you follow the manufacturers instructions for rotating or turning the mattress.
Find out how to clean a mattress.
Donate A Mattress Topper To Charity Organizations
There are several nationwide charities where you can donate your used mattress topper, including:
- The Salvation Army
- Furniture Bank Association of America
There are also local charities that will accept used mattress pads, including:
- Womens Shelters
- Homeless Shelters
- Thrift Stores
For regular mattress protector pads that are no longer usable for beds, you can use them for making diaper changing pads, quilts, pillows, etc., and then donate the finished products to a nearby shelter or other charity.
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What If There Are No Recycling Programs In My Area
If you cant find a recycling location in your area, consider reaching out to larger communities with more resources. Some charity programs will travel within a specific mile range to pick up donations. Other larger cities offer programs that more remote residents qualify for, including free pick-up.
You can also check with local non-profits to see whether they accept donations of furniture. It doesnt hurt to ask.
Remedy A Worn Mattress
Has your mattress seen better days? It might be time to buy a new one! However, if youre not quite ready to make that decision yet, you can try a mattress topper first.
Providing a uniform layer of comfort, a mattress topper the perfect way to breathe new life into a shabby mattress for a fraction of the cost. While it might not transform a super-saggy mattress, it can be a smart and economical way to add a few years to your investment.
Mattress toppers are also perfect for students sleeping in a dorm since many students dont have the luxury of bringing their own mattresses to school. As a result, adding a dorm mattress topper can bring new life to outdated mattresses and give college students the comfort and support they need.
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Turn Them Into A Pet Bed
You know how those expensive pet beds never seem to be appreciated by your pets? One key reason is because they prefer to sleep closer to you so they can smell you.Well, ding ding! You can repurpose an unwanted pillow and turn it into a source of rest and solitude. All you need is some sturdy fabric covering or old clothes repurposed as covering to accommodate your pets habits!You could also turn them into a cool pillow fortress for kids. We wrote a guide on how to do just this!
Repurpose Your Memory Foam Bedding
If you cant get rid of your memory foam bedding then another option is to reuse it for something else.
For example, if you have pets then one of the best ways to repurpose your old memory foam mattress is to cut it up and put a blanket over it to create a dog/cat bed.
You can see exactly how to do this by watching the video below.
If you dont have pets then another way to reuse your old memory foam mattress is to use it as a trundle bed if you have a trundle frame.
Or you could cut the foam into small pieces and use them as the padding for a beanbag chair.
Also, traditional memory foam tends to retain heat which makes memory foam bedding potentially useful as a cushion or support when camping in cooler climates ).
If you have a chair thats becoming a bit worn or uncomfortable, memory foam pillows can make excellent lumbar support items and you can cut sections out of your old memory foam mattress or topper for the same purpose.
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Can You Throw Away A Mattress Topper
If you want to throw away your old foam mattress topper, you can do it, and the service that collects trash in your neighborhood will take it away.
However, even if you are allowed to throw away your old mattress topper on trash day, you may want to think again whether throwing it away like this is really the best way of disposing of it.
It certainly isnt one of the greenest choices, as it will get taken to the nearby dump and the landfills in America keep growing bigger with junk with every day.
Also, memory foam mattress toppers are not made of the eco-friendly materials and when you leave them in a landfill or dump them anywhere else, they will begin to decompose release hydrogen cyanide, flame retardants, isocyanates, etc. all of which have an extremely negative impact on the surrounding environment.
This is why you should try to recycle or repurpose your old foam mattress topper with a few useful tips that we will provide here rather than throw it away. Keep reading and find out how you can do this in the most creative and eco-friendly ways.
Where Can I Dispose Of Foam
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. In this way, where can I dispose of memory foam?
Drop your mattress pad at a recycling center.Because of the materials it’s made of, your old foam mattress pad needs to be processed in a specialized facility. When you contact your local recycling center, ask them how you can use any local recycling programs or drop-off sites for memory foam.
Also, what type of foam is recyclable? Polystyrene foam is manufactured in two forms, both of which are recyclable. Expanded polystyrene foam is a white, brittle foam made up of many small beads of expanded foam that are bonded together. It is commonly used in the production of disposable beverage cups and packaging.
Moreover, can I put Styrofoam in the garbage?
The answer is ‘NO’, Styrofoam is not able to go into your curb side recycling bin. Putting Styrofoam into the recycling bin will contaminate the whole recycling bin, so it is important that all Styrofoam is placed into the general waste bin.
How do you dispose of upholstery foam?
Upholstery foam can be recycled into many uses, such as athletic mats or carpet underlay padding.
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How Can You Dispose Of A Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If youd like to get rid of your topper, consider donating it to a charitable organization in your city or town. Like mattresses and other bedding accessories, toppers are in high demand and will be accepted at most donation outlets. You can also recycle the topper rather than tossing it into a landfill. If your sleep trial for the topper has not expired, contact the manufacturer to see if an exchange or refund is available. You may also qualify for a free replacement topper if it has developed a defect and the warranty hasnt expired.
Other Bedroom Products That Can Be Recycled
Mattresses aren’t the only item in your bedroom that you can reuse, sell, or recycle. With limited effort and creativity, there are many other common products that can live a second life.
Blankets and Sheets – One of the most frequently requested items at homeless shelters and donation centers is blankets. There are also many DIY options for blankets, throws, and sheets to choose from online.
Pillows – While mattresses typically need to be replaced every 10 years, pillows typically should be replaced every 2 or 3 years. Here are some great alternatives to throwing them away:
Dressers and Bookshelves – Solid wood furniture can be repaired and refinished for lifetimes. Cheaper furniture like those made out of particle board can also be given new life as well with a little effort.
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How To Dispose Of An Old Mattress Topper Loadu
How Do I Know If Im Ready For A New Mattress
First things first: how do you know its time to get a new mattress?
The general consensus is that mattresses should be replaced, on average, every 8 years.
However, some types of mattresses tend to last longer than others. For instance, hybrid innerspring-foam mattresses tend to need replacing sooner, at around 6 years, while plain innerspring mattresses can last up to 10 years . Meanwhile, memory foam and latex mattresses can last up to 15 years with the right care.
These figures are only the average lifespans of each type of mattress: some individual mattresses can last for less time than their mattress-type average, while some can last longer. The lifespan of a mattress can vary significantly, depending on factors like the design of the mattress, the materials its made of, how well you take care of it, and what sort of atmosphere it is exposed to in your bedroom.
The best and most accurate way to tell if your mattress needs to be replaced is how it feels, and what sort of rest you get when you sleep on it. Are you still getting the support and comfort from the mattress that you got from it in the past?
| Signs Your Mattress Needs to Be Replaced |
|---|
| Wear and Tear |
| Sounds make wake you when you or your partner move around |
Once youve decided its time for a new mattress, have shopped around and picked out your new model, and are all set to bring it home, theres one final hurdle to face: what do you do with your old mattress?
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Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Remove Stains On My Memory Foam Topper
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover, but it may discolor the fabric cover of your topper. Some stubborn stains may need a different approach for removal, as the regular household items may not be effective enough. In such cases, its better to use an enzyme-based stain remover, available in the laundry section of any general store.
What Is Memory Foam
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam. As with all foams, memory foam compresses under pressure. The difference with other polyurethane foams is that memory foam also contains added chemicals that increase its viscosity and elasticity, hence its alternate name, viscoelastic foam.
When pressure is applied, memory foam has the ability to be stretched into different shapes, and then slowly return to its original form when the pressure is lifted. Thanks to these attributes, memory foam excels at absorbing energy to provide pressure relief.
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to provide cushioning against vibrations and potential crashes. Later, the material was used to prevent bedsores for patients who were unable to move for long periods of time. In the 1990s, TempurPedic brought the world the first memory foam mattress.
Because memory foam is activated by heat, it easily molds to the shape of your body and provides relief and support for your specific body shape. Memory foam also excels at preventing motion transfer from one partner to another. Newer generations of memory foam incorporate elements that strive to reduce heat retention and enable easier movement on top of the bed.
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Donating Your Mattress Topper
