Getting a new mattress can be exciting, but figuring out how to dispose of your old mattress can be a real headache. With limited curbside pickup options and landfills overflowing with mattress waste, proper mattress disposal is more important than ever.
This straightforward guide will walk you through the ins and outs of mattress recycling and safe disposal, so you can upgrade your bedding with a clear conscience. We'll also share tips from Mattress To Door, a Canadian mattress company dedicated to hassle-free mattress removal and eco-friendly disposal.
Deciding If You Need a New Mattress
If you're thinking about getting a new mattress, it's worth taking some time to evaluate if your current bed really needs replacing.
Here are some telltale signs that it may be time to upgrade your mattress and box spring:
- Lumps, sagging areas, or indentations. If parts of your mattress have lost support and comfort.
- Significant back or joint pain. Waking up sore could indicate your mattress lacks proper support.
- Tossing and turning at night. Frequent discomfort and changing positions means your mattress isn't cradling your body properly.
- Allergies or breathing issues. Older mattresses accumulate dust mites and allergens over time.
- Mattress is over 8-10 years old. The average lifespan of a quality mattress is close to a decade.
Mattress To Door recommends trying out a new mattress when your current bed shows these signs of wear. Their Canadian-made mattresses start at just $249 with free shipping - an affordable upgrade for better sleep and back support.
You can also schedule a free Mattress To Door consultation to evaluate if a new mattress would help with any pains, aches or sleep issues you're experiencing. Their sleep experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your needs.
Donating Your Used Mattress
Once you decide to upgrade your mattress, the next step is figuring out how to ethically dispose of your old bed. Donation is one of the best options if your mattress is still in decent shape.
A. Determining If Mattress is Donateable
Before dropping your old mattress off for donation, inspect it closely and ask yourself:
- Is the mattress structurally sound, without any rips, tears or large stains?
- Does it have signs of bed bugs, fleas or other pests? Check the seams and sides carefully.
- Is the mattress less than 5-7 years old? Most charities won't accept older, worn-out mattresses.
- Has the mattress been protected with a cover and mattress pad? Bare mattresses accumulate more allergens.
If you can answer "yes" to the first 3 questions and your mattress is hygienic and allergen-free, it's likely in donateable condition.
Mattress To Door provides a handy donation eligibility checklist with all their mattress deliveries. They also offer cost-effective mattress removal when you purchase a replacement, and can advise if your mattress meets donation criteria.
B. Charities Accepting Mattress Donations
Many organizations accept gently used mattress donations, including:
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Goodwill - One of the largest nonprofit thrift store chains, Goodwill accepts mattress donations at some locations.
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Salvation Army - The Salvation Army accepts mattress donations in clean, excellent condition. Call ahead to schedule a drop-off.
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Local shelters - Homeless and women's shelters often take mattress donations to furnish housing units. Reach out to shelters in your city.
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Housing charities - Organizations like Habitat for Humanity may accept donated mattresses for families in need.
Be sure to call any charity ahead of time to verify their donation criteria. Organizations will often refuse mattresses that are heavily worn, stained or could contain bed bugs.
Mattress To Door partners with local housing charities to redistribute quality donated mattresses to community members in need. They can let you know if charities in your area accept mattress donations.
Recycling Your Mattress
If your mattress is excessively worn, stained, or otherwise unfit for donation, recycling is the next greenest disposal option.
A. Local Mattress Recycling Centers
Many areas now have mattress recycling facilities that accept dropoffs for a fee. Prices range from $10-$50 per mattress depending on your region.
To find a mattress recycler nearby:
- Search "[your city] mattress recycling centers"
- Check your municipal website for local recycling programs
- Look for recycling locator tools through recyclers like Mattress Recycling Council
Once located, call ahead to the mattress recycling center to verify their fees, hours and preparation requirements.
Mattress To Door offers affordable old mattress removal and recycling services in partnership with local facilities. When you buy a mattress, they'll schedule a free mattress take-away and handle transport to a responsible recycler.
B. DIY Mattress Recycling
If there's no mattress recycling facility in your region, you can dismantle the mattress yourself to recycle the components:
- Metal springs and coils can be taken to a metal recycler.
- Wood frames can be reused, repurposed or taken to a wood waste facility.
- Fabric covers may be accepted by textile recyclers or you can reuse/repurpose.
- Foam and padding check for recyclers specializing in foam products. If not recyclable, discard responsibly.
DIY recycling takes more effort but keeps mattresses out of landfills. You can also post free mattress parts on Craigslist or Facebook for reuse by handymen, artists, automotive shops etc.
Disposing of Your Mattress
If recycling isn't an option, sanitary mattress disposal is your last resort.
A. Curbside Pickup
Some municipalities allow mattresses to be left at the curb on bulk garbage day. Check your city's waste collection policies first.
Key steps for curbside mattress disposal:
- Schedule pickup and confirm fees ahead of time.
- Wrap and seal mattress in plastic to contain bed bugs or debris.
- Place at curb according to regulations (limit 2 mattresses, schedule pickup for large volumes).
- Stand mattress upright and make sure it won't blow away.
- Attach disposal fee receipt if required.
If mattress pickup doesn't occur as scheduled, contact your waste management company immediately. Do not abandon mattresses on the street.
Mattress To Door will handle curbside disposal through their hassle-free old mattress removal service. No rental trucks or DIY disposal necessary.
B. Taking Mattress to the Landfill
In areas without curbside pickup, you'll need to transport mattresses to the landfill yourself. Call ahead for their policies:
- Prepare mattress by wrapping in plastic, sealing rips/tears with tape.
- Load mattress securely in a pickup truck bed, tie down with ropes or straps.
- Note disposal fees - often $10-$30 per mattress. Have cash or check ready.
- Follow disposal procedures at the landfill site.
Improperly secured loads and uncovered mattresses can risk spreading pests, debris and other hazards. Always prepare carefully before transporting mattresses to a landfill.
Mattress To Door aims to keep mattresses out of landfills through their recycling and charity partners. But if the landfill is your only disposal option, they can schedule an affordable haul-away service. No need to rent a truck or struggle with mattress disposal yourself.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
With over 50 million mattresses discarded in North America each year, responsible disposal is crucial. Here's how it benefits the environment, economy and your local community:
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Reduces landfill waste - Mattresses are bulky and over 75% recyclable. Proper disposal keeps them out of landfills.
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Saves resources - Recycling recovers steel, foam, fibers and wood instead of extracting new materials.
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Limits illegal dumping - Affordable, accessible disposal deters people from illegally abandoning mattresses.
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Prevents pest spread - Proper containment during disposal limits bed bugs and other sanitation risks.
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Supports local jobs - Mattress recyclers employ people to process and dismantle materials.
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Helps those in need - Donating usable mattresses provides beds to homeless shelters and charities.
Following the tips in this guide, and using responsible disposal services like Mattress To Door, allows you to upgrade your mattress while minimizing environmental impact. By disposing of mattresses properly, we can all contribute to more sustainable communities.
Conclusion
Upgrading your mattress should give you peace of mind, not waste management headaches. This guide outlines the key steps for responsible mattress disposal:
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Evaluate if you truly need a new mattress, or if small repairs could extend its life. Consider a mattress topper or protector to improve comfort.
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Donate usable mattresses to help local charities furnish those in need. Call organizations like Goodwill ahead to confirm their donation criteria.
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Recycle un-donatable mattresses through local recyclers and programs. Dismantle mattresses yourself if needed.
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Dispose properly as a last resort - use curbside pickup or transfers to landfills when necessary. Prepare mattresses carefully to prevent pest spread.
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Rely on experts like Mattress To Door for end-to-end mattress removal and recycling. Their seamless service handles transportation and redirects usable mattresses to charities.
With some planning and responsible choices, you can keep mattresses out of congested landfills and support recycling initiatives. Join Mattress To Door in building more sustainable communities by pledging to dispose of your next mattress wisely. Your small actions collectively make a world of difference.