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.
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 its time to upgrade.
Here are six signs that it is time to look for a new mattress:
Where To Buy Mattress Disposal Bags
Some of these junk removal services may require that you bag up your used mattress for sanitation purposes. Mattress disposal bags may also be required if your local waste management accepts mattresses. You will want to check to be sure to avoid a fee if you are utilizing the bulk pick up through your normal trash services. Mattress disposal bags are available at your local home improvement stores or wherever moving supplies are sold.
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How Do People Normally Get Rid Of Mattresses
The majority of people looking to get rid of a mattress can think of only a few ways to do so. If your house is big enough, you could just repurpose it by putting it in your guest bedroom, but why would you want to subject your friends and relatives to the same bad nights sleep or bad back youve been experiencing for years?
Aside from that, you could either put it to the curb for sanitation to pick up or ask the people you bought the mattress from to dispose of it for you for an additional fee, of course. This last option is no more ideal than the other two, probably because we can safely assume that the mattress professionals are going to just throw it out themselves.
Check If Your Mattress Is Still Under Warranty
If your mattress retailer offers a buyback program, or if they have a complimentary collect and dispose of program.
In states like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, there is a law implemented by the Mattress Recycling Council which states that mattress manufacturers must collect a disposal fee on top of the cost of new mattresses and box springs. The money they collect from this fee goes toward the funding of mattress recycling programs and building more mattress recycling drop-off centers.
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How To Dispose Of A Mattress
Austin Meadows, Sleep Product Tester
We regularly assess how the content in this article aligns with current scientific literature and expert recommendations in order to provide the most up-to-date research.
While trying to find the best mattress for you 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.
Frequent Mattress Recycling Questions
Why should I recycle my mattress?
Roughly 80% of materials in the average mattress can be easily recycled, yet each year in the U.S., we throw out 15 to 20 million mattresses, and they take up 40 cubic feet of space in a landfill.
Are thrift stores allowed to sell used mattresses?
As mentioned above, all local affiliates are different as to what they accept. But assuming that your mattress is 10+ years old and covered in dead skin cells, dont count on donation being an option.
St. Vincent de Paul has its own recycling program in California and Oregon that recycles 170,000 mattresses and box springs annually, so its possible your local store will accept and ship them for recycling.
What types of recyclable materials are in mattresses?
Your standard mattress is comprised of a wood frame, steel springs, polyurethane foam, and fabric. During recycling, the top layer of fabric is cut, peeled, and separated to expose the remaining materials.
Metal springs are sold as scrap metal, as steel is one of the most commonly recycled materials in the world. The wood is often chipped or used for mulch. The foam can be recycled into carpet padding, and fabrics can be recycled into industrial machinery filters.
Are box springs recyclable?
Yes. Box springs are comprised of a wood frame, steel coils, and cotton outer layer . They have a very similar recycling process and are usually accepted with mattresses for recycling.
How do I dispose of air mattresses and waterbeds?
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Can I Repurpose A Mattress
You can transform your old mattress into something useful, beautiful, and useful in a variety of ways. The ideas listed below can help you re-purpose your old mattress for even longer years of service, broken down by type.
In most communities, mattresses necessitate the collection of a sizable amount of trash. The majority of traditional mattresses require replacement every seven years. It is preferable to disassemble or upcycle your mattress for the sake of the environment. When used in conjunction with 100 percent natural latex foam mattresses, there are numerous benefits. Latex foam has a long lifespan, making it an appealing option for people who are not craftily inclined. Latex foam is easily recyclable, making it an appealing option for people who are not craftily inclined. There are numerous ways to dispose of your old mattress that do not require it to go to waste.
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What Can Mattress Materials Be Recycled Into
You’ll be surprised to know that mattresses can be recycled into a load of household products you’ll see in your home today. Here, Wall shares what the materials can be transformed into:
- Foam padding – if you’ve ever had to install carpet, chances are – you’ve used underlayment made from a recycled bed. It’s also used in the best pet beds too.
- Steel springs -recycled as scrap metal and also reused in household appliances and building materials.
- Wooden frames – even your best bed frame can be turned into landscaping mulch or burned as an alternative fuel source.
- Fabric/Fibers – used in industrial oil filters and other textile applications.
‘During the recycling process, mattresses are broken down and assessed for reusable parts,’ says Lucy, resident sleep expert, MattressNextDay .
‘How much of your mattress will be recycled depends on the type and quality of the mattress at the time of recycling. During the dismantling process, each mattress component is separated into large bales. These bales are then sent to the relevant recycling destinations to get ready to be re-used. Some mattress materials are unable to be recycled.’
Mattress Donation Pick Up
If you have a mattress that you would like to donate, there are a few options for pick up. You can either take it to a local donation center or have a pick up truck come to your house. If you have a large mattress, it may be difficult to transport, so a pick up truck may be the best option.
Through nonprofit organizations and charities, we accept mattresses. We accept mattress donations at The Salvation Army. Habitat for Humanity does not accept donations of mattresses as part of its Habitat Restore program. According to DonationTown, you should notify the charity if your mattress is in a home with smokers or pets. Recycling mattresses can be done at a variety of locations. The Recycling Council of the Mattress Industry collects a recycling fee for each mattress or box spring sold. Beds for Kids accepts new and gently used mattresses, but they must be stain-free. It is possible to donate a mattress to a homeless shelter.
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Where To Donate The Mattress
Mattresses are something that can be either recycled or reused. People with backaches and neck issues are advised to sleep on comfortable and soft mattresses. If their mattresses do not solve the purpose, they should donate the mattresses.
The best place to donate the mattress could be an orphanage or a nursing home. These places have many people but fewer supplies and majorly work on donations. Another could be donating it to some needy or poor person who is out of a place to sleep. Mattresses can also be donated to the production houses and theatres if they need for some shoot or artworks.
What if There is No Recycling Facility Near You?
Without professional help, it wont be easy to recycle a mattress. So, if there are no recycling centres near your place, these are the best ways to reuse your bed.
In such a case, a good option is to donate mattress if it is usable. How to donate a mattress? You can donate the mattress to a nursing home or an orphanage. Where to donate a mattress? Organisations like goodwill mattress donation, Earth911.org, DonationTown.org can help you with the same. It can also be given to a poor person who needs a comfortable sleep.
Pets also require a comfortable sleep for a healthy and cheerful day. The old mattress can also be used to make a new bed for your pet. You can divide the mattress into two halves with the help of the bed-sheet and make a cave shape of a structure for your pet to comfortably lie there.
Check With Your Local Trash Service
While it is always a good idea to at least consider donation an explore the option, in all likelihood you will have to dispose of it instead.
Some communities will take part in a large disposal period where dumpsters are placed in town once a year to dispose of things like old tires, old furniture and worn out mattresses , but if your hometown does not engage in this practice, or if it is several months away, it may not be a viable option for you.
A good first step if you are not sure where to start is to simply reach out to your local trash service to find out whether they will take large items like mattresses at all. Do not simply leave the mattress on your curb without checking, as you could end up with a fine from your city.
If they do accept mattresses as a part of regular trash collection, they probably only do so on specific days, and you will likely need to wrap the mattress in plastic before they will take it.
Though every service is different, many times it will not be possible to leave your old mattress for your regular trash service to collect, and you will need to explore alternative options.
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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.
Ways To Reuse Or Upcycle Your Old Mattress
Innovators and those who dabble in the arts see the demise of an old mattress as an opportunity. Why throw it out when you can slice and dice it and use its valuable materials for a project.
- Use the foam as the stuffing for homemade throw pillows, a dog bed, or an outdoor lounge cushion.
- Springs can be transformed into vintage candle or snack holders or to display family photos.
- The wood of a box spring can be cut and used in home projects or starter firewood.
- What are mattresses made of?
Mattresses consist of a mix of materials, including cotton, foam, latex, polyester, steel coils, and more. Today, eco-conscious mattress manufacturers are using more planet-friendly fibers like organic cotton and wool.
- Does it cost money to recycle a mattress?
Many recycling facilities and private haulers will charge a fee for mattress recycling . Fees generally range from $20 to $40.
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What About Inflatable Mattresses
Inflatable mattresses can also be recycled, but these require a little more looking around because youll have to find a recycler that accepts PVC plastic.
Check with your local disposal and recycle companies to find one or give it a new lease on life as a tarp or furniture cover. Some ambitious DIY individuals take matters into their own hands turning the plastic scraps of an inflatable mattress into liners or outdoor grill covers, among many other uses.
Assess The Quality Of Your Mattress
Your mattress may be relatively new, but it may not properly accommodate your sleeping style.
If your mattress is not necessarily out of life, it just is not the right one for you, it may be worth donating to someone else for whom it will be right.
Organizations like Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity will sometimes accept mattress donations if it is in relatively good quality, but be honest about the state of your mattress.
While it might sound easy to just drop off your old mattress, do not saddle a non-profit with your mattress if it will not serve someone in need, but also do not assume that just because the mattress is not working for you it can’t provide someone else with a good night’s sleep.
This is a great way to help reduce waste but more often than not, if a mattress is giving you persistent issues , the quality has probably degraded to a point where it is not salvageable.
Nothing lasts forever, think about how long you have had your mattress. Even a high end one may not last more than around 7 years. If it has been in the neighborhood of this long since you replaced your mattress, it has likely run its course. According to Mattress Insider Company founder Jonathan Prichard, keeping an old mattress around for too long can lead to a number of risks to hygiene and health.
If you’ve decided you need a new mattress, you’ll need to discover the best, most-economical way of disposing your old mattress.
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Option #: Post It For Sale/free On The Houston Craigslist Page
Believe it or not craigslist is actually a great way to get rid of a mattress for free and to have it actually be utilized to its full potential. There are a lot of people who dont want to spend the hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new mattress and who are very grateful to be able to get a decent mattress for a great price off of craigslist. If you are going to post your mattress on craigslist make sure that it doesnt have any stains. Stains are generally a deal breaker for most potential buyers.
PRO TIPS: Make sure to take nice pictures and highlight the fact that your mattress DOES NOT have any stains and DOES NOT have bed bugs. This will put potential buyers minds at ease and increase the chances that someone will take it off your hands for you.
