When it comes to making changes and upgrades around your home, you might be wondering what to do with the items you no longer need. Some items are easy to donate, recycle or even sell, while others can leave you staring at a big question mark.
Mattresses are a prime example of this problem. Many people have no idea what to do with their old mattresses. They often just send them to the landfill where they take up room and decompose much more slowly than you might think.
But what you might not know is that there are environmentally-friendly options for disposing of your old mattress. These options create a win for you, the environment, and sometimes even a third party!
Tips on How to Dispose of Old Mattresses
Check Your Warranty
Before checking the other options listed below, contact the store from which you purchased your mattress.
If your mattress is still under warranty, you might be eligible for removal services. Even if your mattress is no longer under warranty, ask if the store has a buy-back program.
Donate Your Old Mattress
To you, it might be a bulky old thing, but to someone else, your old mattress could be a true gift. There are many families who can’t afford basic staples, and they would be overjoyed to have a comfortable mattress to sleep on.
You simply have to find a local charity that will gladly take it off your hands and match it with a person or family in need. Anyone taking your mattress will likely want to know your mattress dimensions, so be sure to have those handy before contacting any organization.
As a courtesy to its future owners, you’ll want to do your very best to clean your mattress. You can find tips on how to do that here.
Not sure who will take a mattress donation? You can start with these organizations:
- The Salvation Army: There are many thrift stores that don’t take mattress donations, but the Salvation Army is an exception. Be sure to check out their rules for mattress donations and search for a location near you here.
- Habitat For Humanity: In addition to building homes for low-income families, this organization provides other resources for families in need, including home goods such as mattresses. Some might even offer pickup services. You can find your local branch and learn more here.
- Contact your local furniture bank: Here is a directory of different furniture banks around the nation that could possibly accept your mattress donation.
- Women’s Shelters: Women’s shelters provide refuge for women and children fleeing abusive situations. They are often in need of more resources. You can search for women’s shelters in your area or use this search tool.
- You may also try out junk hauling companies such Go-Up Load.
Mattress Recycling
Mattress recycling is another way to approach mattress disposal. It’s good for the planet, good for you, and good for future generations. When mattress recycling is done right, it’s a true win-win-win situation for all!
There are different rules for mattress recycling in every state so be sure to use the resources below to do your research first.
- This website has comprehensive information on state-by-state mattress recycling policies, locations, and resources.
- Contact the mattress manufacturer; they might have a mattress recycling program.
- Contact your local recycling program to see if they will recycle your mattress.
Reuse Your Mattress
Feeling crafty? Your old mattress is a treasure trove for any up-cycle, DIY aficionado. Your mattress has plenty of materials that are just waiting to be repurposed such as:
- Thread
- Buttons
- Padding
- Springs
- Stuffing
- Foam
With these materials, you can make:
- New cushions
- Dog Beds
- Spring organizers
- Sponges
- Box springs
And if all else fails, you really can’t go wrong with mattress surfing!
Here is a mattress recycling article with super creative ideas for disposing of your mattress without going to a landfill!
Reselling Used Mattresses
Reselling your used mattress has never been easier with the multitude of online marketplaces that allow you to list your items at no cost.
Remember to thoroughly clean your mattress and include any flaws, stains, or tears in the listing so your potential customers know exactly what to expect.
Some sites you can use to sell your used mattress:
- Craigslist
- OfferUp (which is an app you’ll have to download onto your phone)
- Facebook Marketplace
Not sure how to price your mattress? Check other mattress listings first to get an idea of the current fair market price.
Disposing your old mattress
Properly disposing of your mattress gives you peace of mind. You’ll know that you did what’s right for the environment and possibly helped someone in your community.
If you’re about to buy a new mattress, whether it’s a plush or firm mattress, be sure to check out these tips on making it last as long as possible. This helps reduce the need to ever go through the mattress recycling process again.
