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.
Option : Throw It Away
If youve exhausted all your options and are unable to recycle, donate, resell, or repurpose your old mattress, the last option is to throw it out. However, that doesnt mean leaving it next to your dumpster. Many cities and states have specific rules and regulations in place around throwing away mattresses. Several cities dont allow you to leave a mattress in the trash doing so can result in a ticket or fine. Some areas will allow you to throw out a mattress in the Dumpster however, there may be specific rules around it. For example, some cities may require you to wrap the mattress in a plastic mattress bag. Its always best to check the regulations of your area before throwing out your mattress. If you live in an area that doesnt allow you to throw out your mattress with your regular trash, there are a couple of other options available.
Throwing out your mattress should be your last option. However, if you have to do it, make sure to do it responsibly.
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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Option : Fix Up Your Mattress
Are you wanting a new mattress, but maybe its not quite in the budget yet? Its understandable that you are so ready to get rid of the old mattress you cant stand, but have you gone through all the possibilities for fixing it up? You just may be able to fix your mattress enough to get a few more good years out of it.
Gel Mattress Pads: Add a gel mattress topper or pad for a cool to the touch improvement. Simply unroll to fit your mattress exactly, while still allowing your mattress pad and sheets to fit nicely over everything and the bed is much more comfortable and can even help reduce heat and sweating during your nights sleep.
Mattress Covers & Protectors: Adding a mattress cover and protector to your mattress could not only aid in fixing a sagging mattress by compressing it together but would also help keep your mattress clean as well as hiding any nasty stains. A mattress cover will also contribute to a more comfortable nights sleep.
Under Mattress Helpers: These types of items are not very common at many stores, so you may not know about this product, but you can purchase props that you place underneath the exact areas of your mattress that is sagging. These are not 100% helpful but do offer some extra support when other options dont do the trick.
How To Dispose Of A Mattress
While shopping for a new mattress can be frustrating, every mattress owner inevitably reaches the point where its clear that its time to level up. Some people decide to switch out their mattress because theyre interested in a new model or mattress type, and some people seek out a new mattress because their comfort requirements have changed over time, because of factors like age, losing or gaining weight, and/or injuries. However, even someone who isnt particularly interested in other mattresses will need to replace their mattress eventually.
There are a number of different ways to get rid of a used mattress, from recycling to donation to throwing it away. The method thats right for you depends on a number of different factors, especially the state of the mattress, where you are located, and which facilities are close by offering which types of disposal and donation services.
Well break down the different methods of mattress disposal, how to choose the right one for you, and how to go about getting the disposal job done.
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Learn The Best Mattress Disposal Options
Moving into a new place often comes with upgrades: new home, new appliances, new furniture. If your move includes a new mattress, youre faced with a unique challenge: How do you get rid of your old mattress? While you might have seen old mattresses casually tossed in a dumpster or lying on the side of a road, there are better options for disposing mattresses without adding to landfills. Since close to 20 million mattresses end up in landfills each year, and just one mattress can take up to 40 cubic feet in a landfill, its important to find a responsible mattress disposal option.
The first thing to consider when disposing your mattress is its condition. If your mattress is relatively new and still in good shape, you might be able to sell or donate it so that it doesnt go to waste. If youve gotten all the use out of your mattress that it has to offer, youre probably better off recycling it. Up to 90 percent of your mattress can be broken down and recycled, so recycling is definitely a better option for the environment than tossing your mattress in the dumpster.
If you’re looking to buy a new mattress, be sure to read our mattress buyers guide, or explore options from our authorized partners.
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Option : Hire A Disposal Pro
In the end, it seems like a lot of work and a huge hassle to get rid of your old, used and unwanted mattress. And the last thing you want to do is dump your mattress on the curb, in an empty parking lot, or behind a local business after hours.
Now you can save time, effort and the environment when getting rid of your old mattresses. This means it is time to hire a Mattress Removal Pro to do the work for you.
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Free Recycling At The Recycling Center
Mattresses and box springs can be brought to the Middletown Recycling Center for disposal and recycling.
Mattresses and box springs that contain normal wear can be placed in the Mattress Recycling Container for recycling. There is no charge for this service. Mattresses are recycled with the Mattress Recycling Council.
Mattresses and box springs that contain bed bugs or are wet or mildewed must be wrapped in plastic and disposed as bulky waste for a charge.
What Can I Spray On My Mattress To Kill Scabies
Scabies spray mattress cleaners and disinfectant sprays will kill scabies on a mattress. Because heat kills the mites, steaming your mattress will work just as well.
In addition to spraying or steaming your mattress, you should wash all your bedding on a hot cycle and either wash your pillows or store them in a plastic bag for at least three days to kill off the mites.
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Get Rid Of A Mattress In Other States
The Bye Bye Mattress program is run by the Mattress Recycling Council, a nonprofit organization formed by the mattress industry to operate recycling programs in those states that have enacted mattress recycling laws. The program is currently running in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island and funded by a recycling fee collected when consumers buy a mattress or box spring.
If you are living in a state without a mattress recycling law, you still have options for getting rid of your used mattress! Check out our directory of whats available in your state here.
Getting rid of your mattress doesnt have to be hard! And you can do it while being environmentally conscious.
The Great Mattress Dilemma
As much as you may like, it’s not okay to dispose of a mattress by setting it on fire. It might be a great mental health strategy, but it also means a visit from the police. Another bad idea is to store it in the garage or in the attic. Or even, worst, dumping it off at the local Fry’s dumpster.
Why even bother with these half-assed steps. Cut the cord and get rid of it the right way.
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What You Need To Know About Dust Mites
The first step to knowing how to get rid of dust mites is understanding what they are and their characteristics. This will give you an upper hand against them when they invade.
As I have mentioned earlier, dust mites are microscopic insects, and their tiny nature makes it hard for you to identify them with naked eyes. An adult dust mite grows to a maximum of ¼ to 1/3 millimeters in length. As such, you can only catch a glimpse of them when placed under a microscope.
Under the vision-enhancing tool, they look like spiders, although white.
Male dust mites have about 30 days , while the females tend to live longer, up to 90 days .
Dust mites feed on dead skin cells of humans, which is why they are so common indoors, as that is where people spend most of their nights. It would interest you to know that humans shed an average of 1.5 grams of dead skin cells per day, which can feed about a million dust mites at a time.
That being said, dust mites prefer to reside in spaces where they can find the most skin cells.
And these include upholstery furniture, beddings, rugs, and carpets. You can also find them living in stuffed animals and any other fiber-made item. As long as dead skin cells are there, these pests will come invading.
Dust mites can be found in pretty much any country you can think of, but they are more prevalent in humid climates. And their ability to easily burrow through cloth fibers means you can unknowingly take them with you when you make trips.
How To Donate A Mattress
Only consider donating your mattress if it is in decent shape. If its in really rough shape , then all youll do when you donate your mattress is create more work for the charity or organization you donate it to, who will have to figure out how to dispose of it soon after you leave it with them.
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Other Ways To Dispose Of A Mattress
We wouldnt recommend these ways, as not only are some of these damaging to the environment, some are antisocial and illegal.
Although a couple of Which? members said they disposed of their last mattress by burning it, we dont advise it. Not only is a mattress fire hard to control, but the fumes released by the fire could also be damaging to both you and the environment.
If you happen to be renting a skip and dont mind your mattress contributing to a worsening landfill problem, then you can get rid of your old mattress using a skip.
But you should never dispose of your mattress by putting it in someone elses skip or, worse yet, simply abandoning it at the side of the road. As well as being antisocial and environmentally harmful, fly tipping is illegal and can result in a large fine.
Now that you know how to dispose of your old mattress, find out how to buy the best new mattress to replace it with.
Can I Sleep In My Bed After Bed Bug Treatment
You may continue to sleep on your mattress after vacuuming it and putting a bed bug proof encasement on it. Even if there are live bed bugs underneath the encasement, they are trapped inside and cant bite you. Without feeding on your blood, they will die inside the encasement.
If you spray chemical or plant-based insecticides on your mattress, we recommend checking the instructions on the package. Some may require you to stay away from the room for 6 to 8 hours or more after spraying.
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How To Find Your Old Mattress A New Home
If donation options dont work in your area, you can sometimes give your old mattress away for free. It might surprise you how many people can utilize a second-hand mattress, if its in good shape.
- What about a newly-wed friend, coworker or neighbor?
- Think of family members too cousins, nephews, nieces, even older family?
- People on the Internet? More on that below.
Current State Of Mattress Disposal In Houston
If you have an old mattress or bed to get rid of in Houston, you are in luck. Houston is very progress when it comes to resources for responsible disposal of furniture items. Whether you have an old mattress or other furniture items, Houston has implemented programs that prioritize recycling and proper disposal over the items ending up in the landfill. Below you will find helpful resources that you can use to get rid of your old mattresses and box springs. From drop off centers, to pick up services and a DIY recycling project we have listed an option to suit all customer needs.
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How To Find A Mattress Disposal Near Me
If you are confused about where to dispose of a mattress, you can contact your local waste disposal services. Google can help you locate the nearest mattress disposal services for you,
It can cost you around $20 to dispose of your mattress. It is not a hefty sum. So, make sure you take the help of waste disposal services for proper recycling of your mattress.
But, how to dispose of old mattresses for free? You can donate it to a charity. Some of them even have their pickup services.
How Long Does A Mattress Last
Recycle Content
The useful life of a mattress is approximately ten years, after which its performance and its shape begin to lose and deform. However, there are different types of reasons why you may decide to change a mattress.
Examples of this are wanting to change the size of the bed as well as choosing to try new mattress models other than the ones we are used to.
Although the main reason why we usually decide to change our mattress is that it is no longer in good condition. If you want to dispose of your old mattress, you can either wrap it in plastic and place it on the side of the road or tear it up and bag it.
Alternatively, you can get a mattress waste bag or storage bag from a home improvement store or moving supply store.
The local waste treatment authority may require mattresses to be disposed of in this way for sanitation reasons. To avoid being fined, put the mattress in one of these bags and seal it with packing tape before disposing of it.
The size of a mattress, not to mention weight, can make it difficult for you to move your mattress, even if you have help.
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Whats The Most Responsible Way To Dispose Of A Used Mattress You No Longer Want Or Need
Because they are one of the bulky waste items that are the most difficult to dispose of in an eco-friendly way, mattresses are often the culprits of illegal dumping, frequently being left on sidewalks, beside dumpsters, and in alleyways.
The problem here is that hauling a mattress to the landfill means paying extra fees for disposal because mattresses are heavy and bulky, so they dont compact well and end up creating air pockets that fill with flammable and toxic gases when they sit in a landfill.
Unfortunately, trying to be more green about mattress disposal by having a mattress recycled isnt much easier. Mattresses and box springs are usually made up mostly of wood, steel, fabric, fiber, and various types of foam. While its possible to recycle over 90% of a mattress, the only mattress material that is easily recyclable is the foam.
Even though an old mattress is difficult to get rid of, that doesnt mean that letting it sit in a dumpsite to rot away is the best way to dispose of an old mattress.
Need to get rid of an old mattress? BOOK A PICKUP
Use A Vacuum Cleaner On Your Mattress
Vacuum your mattress thoroughly with your vacuums hose attachment. Using a brush may make the bed bugs stick to the bristles. Carefully vacuum your mattress, paying special attention to the areas under the seams where bed bugs may be hiding. Stand your mattress on its sides and vacuum the bottom of the mattress, too.
Vacuum the surface, sides, and bottom of the box spring or foundation as well. If you have a bed frame, its best to dismantle the bed and thoroughly vacuum all the parts, especially if there are any crevices or cracks. Finally, vacuum the whole bedroom floor.
Put the vacuum bag into a trash bag and throw it in a trash can outside your house.
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