Mattress Removal and Disposal Guide
How to Properly and Efficiently Get Rid of Your Old Mattress
You’ve selected a new mattress and are eagerly awaiting its delivery, but what should you do with your old one? In this guide, we explore various options such as recycling, donating, and using disposal services.
Effective Mattress Disposal Methods
Disposing of an old mattress in a cost-effective and safe manner can be challenging. One of the simplest solutions is to utilise the collection service that many retailers offer when you purchase a new mattress.
While this method is the most popular according to a survey by Consumer Reports, it might not be feasible for everyone. Here are some alternative ways to dispose of your mattress:
- Drop it off at a local recycling centre
- Donate it to a charity or give it away to someone in need
- Hire a waste removal service for collection
Each of these options has its benefits and drawbacks, which we will discuss in the sections below.
Taking Your Mattress to a Recycling Center
Many local recycling centres accept mattresses, but it’s wise to verify this before you go, as transporting a mattress can be cumbersome.
Check with your local council or their website to see if mattresses are accepted and to understand any restrictions, such as the prohibition of commercial vehicles even for personal waste. Some centres do not have the facilities to recycle mattresses, meaning they could end up in a landfill.
Arranging for Bulky Waste Collection
If transporting a mattress is too difficult, consider using your local council’s bulky waste collection service. This service usually comes with a fee, although some councils, such as those in several London boroughs, may offer it for free.
Contact your local authority to learn how to schedule and pay for a collection. Ensure to ask if the mattress will be recycled if that is important to you, as not all services guarantee recycling. We at Top Wasters also provide mattress removal service, please get in touch for more information.
Recycling Your Old Mattress
Many mattress components are recyclable, such as springs and foam. However, recycling rates are low because the process can be complicated. According to the National Bed Federation, less than 20% of discarded mattresses were recycled in 2017.
For those not equipped to recycle a mattress themselves, numerous companies offer recycling services for a fee. For instance, Collect Your Old Bed provides nationwide collections in the UK starting at £24, often cheaper than council services and ensures the mattress is recycled.
Donating Your Mattress to Charity
Some charities will collect your mattress for free, either to sell in their shops or to help those in need. The British Heart Foundation and some Emmaus branches are examples of organisations that accept mattresses.
Before donating, consider the condition of your mattress. Charities typically accept only those in good condition with no stains and with the original fire safety label attached. Mattresses generally last between seven to ten years, so older ones might not be suitable for donation.
There are several ways to dispose of your mattress, but options are limited if you want to ensure it doesn’t end up in a landfill. The most reliable method is to pay a certified recycling company to collect and recycle your mattress.
Find a charity organisation :
