How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Bad
If your mattress is more than eight years old, its time to do some shopping. However, there are other warning signs that signal that it’s time to upgrade.
Here are six signs that it is time to look for a new mattress:
Where Can I Recycle A Mattress
‘Mattresses cant simply be left out for pickup with your regular recycling. Youll often need to find a facility that specializes in mattress recycling, and youll need to transport it there on your own.’ says Farrelly.
To make things easier, the Mattress Recycling Council has a directory of recyclers across the country , so you can find your nearest quickly and easily.
Can You Recycle Box Springs
Containing similar components to a mattress , a box spring can also be recycled using the same options you would for mattress recycling.
If youre handy, you can even deconstruct your box spring right at home. Heres how: With the bottom side facing up, cut and remove the fabric. Next, using a hammer or crowbar, separate the wood from the metal frame. The metal can head to the recycled with other scrap metal and the wood can be cut and used for projects at home.
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A Few Little Stats About Mattress Recycling And Disposal Mattress Disposal And Recycling
At the end of July 2019, the National Bed Federation , the leading trade association in the bed industry, published a report about End of Life mattresses treatment. The report looked at the disposal and recycling of mattresses from 2012 through 2017 and provided some interesting figures. Below are some of the ones they found:
How Long Should Your Mattress Last
How long should your mattress last? Great question! Over time, every mattress is going to eventually lose its ability to provide the support and comfort you need for a good nights sleep. This means that everyone will need to dispose of their old mattresses a few times during their lifetime.
While the average life span of a mattress is 10 years, the type and quality of the mattress is going to ultimately determine how long your mattress will last. Lesser quality mattresses tend to last an average of 5 to 7 years.
Eco Terra Latex Mattresses last an average of an impressive 15 years.
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Free Mattress Recycling Programs
Some states have free mattress recycling programs available. For example, in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, the Mattress Recycling Council runs a mattress recycling program called , and statewide laws allow households to drop off old mattresses and box springs at collection sites free of charge .
You can also use ByeByeMattress or other search engines like Earth911 to locate a mattress recycling spot.This interactive mapreveals over 100 mattress recycling centers nationwide.
Some cities offer full-service recycling centers where you can drop off almost anything. If you have more than just a mattress to drop off, or the mattress is too large for you to bring in, you may be able to arrange for pickup from your home — some city and county governments will pick up bulky items curbside upon request, although these may or may not be part of a recycling program.
City recycling programs may charge a fee for dropping off mattresses or box springs. You may or may not need to make an appointment to drop off your mattress.
How To Recycle 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 recycling your used mattress! Check out our directory of whats available in your state here.
Recycling your mattress doesnt have to be hard! And you can do it while being environmentally conscious.
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Signs You Need A New Mattress
After youve had your mattress for about seven years, you should begin inspecting it for wear and tear. If you start to notice any of the below signs, its probably time to get a new mattress.
There is no exact time to get rid of your mattress, however, if you start to notice any of the above signs impact your sleep, it may be time for a new one.
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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How To Dispose Of A Mattress: Free And Paid Options
These are your options for getting rid of an old mattress, from recycling programs to trash pickup.
So it’s time to say goodbye to your worn out old mattress, but you aren’t sure how to dispose of it. While most of us would rather not add to the nearly 20 million mattresses that pile up in landfills every year, the alternatives may be trickier than they appear.
Recycling or donating mattresses seems like a simple enough endeavor, but the task can actually be quite challenging. Per the New York Times, some charities aren’t allowed to accept mattresses due to concerns over bed bugs or health department regulations, certain recycling programs have become less profitable and therefore less available, and many states don’t have recycling programs at all.
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Plus, since foam fluctuates wildly in its profitability, some of the popular online mattress brands offering 100+ night trial periods don’t always stick to their promise of recycling or donating returned mattresses — a claim that potential customers may view as a good reason for purchasing.
However, you do have options when it’s time to get rid of your old mattress. Depending on the condition of the mattress and where you live, you may be able to donate it, recycle it or even have it picked up. Here’s what we recommend.
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.
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State’s Policies For Mattress Removal
Be sure to check your state’s mattress removal policies before disposing of your mattress. For example, some states allow you to set your mattress out with the trash, others plan special mattress disposal days, and some require you to take large items like furniture and mattresses to waste management centers.
Additionally, states like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have mattress recycling programs to prevent mattresses from ending up in a landfill. These programs typically allow residents to call a recycling service to pick up the mattress for free or for a small fee.
Why We Should Recycle Mattresses Mattress Disposal And Recycling
If possible, we should recycle mattresses for the reasons below:
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Local Recycling Centers That Accept Mattresses
There is an excellent chance that a recycling center in your area accepts mattresses. As a matter of fact, you may even be able to find a facility that will pick up your old mattress for you. Get in touch with a few different facilities. Ask them about mattress recycling and see what they say. There are many facilities that will take mattresses. However, you shouldnt just assume that your mattress will be accepted. Its always a good idea to confirm things first to avoid an unnecessary trip. Call your local recycle center to see if they will take your old bed and mattress or know of another facility in the area that will. Many people are surprised to learn you can recycle used mattress, but many times this is a viable option that should be explored.
Where Can I Recycle My Old Mattress
The new bed has arrived and youre keen to dispose of your old mattress responsibly but what are your options for ensuring that your mattress can be reused or recycled? After all, you dont want to be contributing to the mountain of mattresses languishing in landfill, which receives 73% of the 5.9 million mattresses which are replaced in the UK each year .
Reuse, not refuse
Rather than dumping a mattress at the local landfill, research locally for a charity or furniture re-use service, who would appreciate the use of your unwanted bed / mattress. To do this though, the bed and mattress need to be in a good, usable condition. The mattress particularly needs to be clean, without stains or rips, and must carry a fire safety label. The British Heart Foundations furniture donation service offers some good information about the requirement of fire safety labels.
If your beds safety label has been removed, it doesnt meet the required standards, or theres no charity locally which is taking beds and mattresses, then the online re-use groups Freegle and Freecycle often post requests from families looking for beds. Alternatively, once youve joined your local online group, you could offer your bed as free for collection. In this case, it is always worth listing your bed as collection only if you do not have transport, otherwise many of the replies you received will be requesting you to deliver the mattress for free, something not everyone is able to do.
Recycle responsibly
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Can I Donate Instead Of Recycling A Mattress
‘Absolutely! As long as your mattress is in good condition, it can be donated,’ says Farrelly.
‘This means your mattress should be free from stains, rips, or tears, and not be broken in any way. Each local charitable organization that accepts mattress donations will have slightly different standards for what they take, so its best to check with them before you drop it off.’
‘If you cant find an organization or charity to donate your mattress to, theres always the option of giving it away to someone directly. You can start by posting from your accounts on social media platforms and asking around to friends, family, and acquaintances in your network,’ says Austin Meadows, sleep product tester, Sleep Foundation .
‘People you may not have even thought of might be in need of a bed, or have use or space for a spare one. You can also use localized social media platforms like , NextDoor , and Freecycle , as well as any ListServe mailing lists you may be on, to advertise your mattress.’
‘Make sure to specify that it is totally free, and also to be clear about exactly what size it is, and what state it is in Provide dimensions and pictures, if possible.’
When Your Mattress Needs Replacing
Its often recommended that a mattress should be replaced every 7 -10 years. The actual amount of time your mattress can last, however, can vary quite drastically. The truth is that your mattress needs replacing when you believe it needs replacing. If youre not sleeping as well as you once did, it may be time for an upgrade.
If you havent bought a new mattress yet, be sure to check out our full range. Our memory foam mattress range has been carefully crafted to suit the preferences of all our customers. Each is available in sizes ranging from Single to Super King. Youre sure to find the perfect mattress here!
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Can You Recycle A Mattress
At the very least, some parts of your mattress will be recyclable, and its possible that all of it will be. And yet, according to The Furniture Recycling Group, Wembley Stadium could be filled five times with the 7.5m mattresses that are discarded in the UK every year.
While mattress recycling is relatively labour-intensive, more and more facilities capable of doing so are springing up around the UK. These facilities will break down your mattress into its recyclable components springs can then be melted down and remade into new metal products, while synthetic layers such as foam can either be used to make carpet underlay, or else can be sent to a plant where the waste can at least be converted into energy.
Aside from taking your old mattress to your nearest recycling centre yourself, the best way to ensure your mattress is recycled is to pay for it to be collected. But whether you use the local council, the company delivering your new mattress or a specialist mattress removal company, make sure it is clearly stated that the mattress will be recycled. Otherwise, its probably best to assume that it wont be.
Where Can I Take A Mattress For Recycling
Nowadays, even mattresses can be purchased online. While purchasing online can usually save you some money, keep in mind that the option of removal of your old mattress is no longer available. If you bought your mattress online or store pickup is not an option, then you will need to do a little more leg work. There may or may not be a mattress recycling center local to your area.
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How To Recycle A Mattress
Mattresses are filled made from a variety of materials that can be reused once the mattress has reached the end of its life cycle.
Here are some ways you can recycle your mattress or give it another chance:
Can You Take A Mattress To The Dump
If you have explored these other options, and cannot find anywhere to accept your mattress, you may be wondering how to get rid of your mattress. Avoid dumping or burning your mattress. Obviously, taking your mattress to the dump should be avoided if possible, but if you live in a very rural area or it is very bad shape this may be your only option. This is still a better option than burning it or dumping it somewhere that is not a designated dump or landfill. You should be especially careful about burning or illegally dumping your mattress. Dumping is illegal if you choose to dump your mattress on the side of the road or in someone elses dumpster, you could be fined. Burning a mattress can be extremely dangerous. If you burn a mattress, you are putting your own health and safety at risk. Burning a mattress also releases harmful toxins in the air that cause damage to the environment.
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Recycle Your Old Mattress
If you cannot donate your used mattress to a charity organization, recycling it is another way to keep it from the landfill and get a second life out of its components. Many mattresses consist of at least 75% recyclable materials.
However, you can’t simply place a mattress in a curbside recycling bin. Instead, you’ll need to call upon a mattress recycling service to break down the bed into its recyclable parts for you, then donate them to the appropriate recycling centers.
Common mattress materials that are recyclable include:
- Foam
- Metal coils
- Wood frames
Mattress recycling companies can repurpose these materials in various ways. For example, the wood from box springs can become mulch or animal bedding. Meanwhile, the fabrics and foams can find a second life in pillows.
Keep in mind that recycling your mattress probably won’t be free. You’ll need to pay the recycling company for the labor and time involved in breaking down your mattress. You may also need to pay to pick up your mattress if you don’t want to drop it off yourself.
Either way, recycling your mattress is an eco-friendly alternative to simply throwing it in a landfill.
