Summary
Have you ever experienced neck stiffness or backaches during the night, which keeps you from sleeping? It is time to replace your mattress. But what about your old one? Surprisingly, you can easily dispose of it.
To be responsible for waste management, it is better to learn about sustainable ways of how to dispose of a mattress. Check them out in detail in our guide below.
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It is a fact that purchasing a new mattress is an exciting experience, yet discarding your previous one can be really challenging. Proper disposal of mattress requires time, effort, and a few additional pounds.
People usually throw out mattresses instead of taking proper disposal methods, which ends up filling our landfills.
Anyone looking to upgrade their sleep should read our mattress disposal guide to understand the right strategies. This guide discusses effective disposal techniques for used mattresses and provides convenient and environmentally responsible solutions.
Mattress Disposal Method - What is the Correct Way?
There are many approaches through which you can dispose of an old mattress. Whether you prefer recycling, donating, or the up-selling method, you have the freedom to pick whichever method you prefer the most. However, the use of these methods will only be helpful depending on the state of the mattress.
In this guide, we will discuss the best methods of safe and effective mattress disposal. But before we do that, you should be able to assess whether you need a new mattress.
What Is The Right Time To Purchase A New Mattress?
Want to contribute to an eco-friendly environment? You cannot just do that by proper disposal of an old mattress. You also need to know when to buy one. On average, mattresses's life span ranges between 7-10 years, but this timeframe depends on what materials manufacturers use. However, some memory foam mattresses may hold up to 12 years but their durability directly relates to manufacturer details as well as construction method and material composition.
So, before you think of mattress disposal, it is important to check your mattress's age.
On the other hand, It is common for some mattresses to wear and tear more quickly than usual if you are adding more weight. Maybe kids are jumping on it constantly, and that can cause the springs to break. There could be plenty of reasons, so even if your mattress is still under guarantee, it might not provide you the sleep it used to.
In such cases, the best way to know if you should dispose of the mattress is by sleeping on it.
Ask yourself:
- Are you enjoying the same quality of sleep?
- Does your mattress provide the same comfort and support?
- Do you wake up with aches?
- Do you find yourself moving restlessly throughout your nighttime slumber?
Understanding your sleep requirements helps you determine whether you need to purchase a new mattress or not. A change of mattress becomes essential when you share your bed with someone who wants different mattress attributes.
Once you decide that, the next thing will be to decide the right method for mattress disposal.
Pay The Company You’re Buying Mattress From
The proper dispose of an old mattress is by purchasing recycling services offered by the mattress provider company from where you buy it. The majority of UK-based recognised businesses offer mattress recycling services for different mattress types.
The fee varies between £9 and £30, depending on the company and the mattress. Many online and physical stores started offering this service to reduce mattress waste. Instead of throwing mattresses in landfills or outside, they can be properly disposed of using sustainable methods.
Some brands also offer the service of taking your old mattress in good condition and reselling it. So, if you’re purchasing a new Memory Foam mattress or a PillowTop, you can always check if they have a reselling or second-hand mattress option.
Note: No matter what service or company you choose, it is imperative to check how the company dispose of mattresses.
Donate Your Mattress
When opting for a sustainable option for how to dispose of mattresses, the most helpful way is donation. People usually gave their old mattresses to charitable organisations and donations. By donating your mattress, you can free up space for a new one while supporting those who actually need it. Before donating, you should assess whether your mattress is perfect for use or not.
Donating your old mattress because of stains, sagging, or wear and tear is not the right practice. Nowadays, even shelter homes enforce strict policies when accepting mattresses to prevent sanitation concerns.
What You Should Consider Before Donating Your Mattress:
- Stains: Only send your mattress for donation when it is free from stains or discolouration. You can perform spot cleaning on a mattress using mild detergents or baking soda. However, mattresses with persistent discolouration must be recycled instead of sent for donation.
- Infestations: You must perform a proper inspection for mould and insects before disposing of your mattress. Even though professional cleaning helps protect against infections, it does not eliminate all bacterial presence. Therefore, experts need to check mattresses before you decide to give them to charity or dispose of them.
- Broken springs: A mattress with a significantly damaged framework, including broken springs, excessive sagging or signs of extreme wear, should not be given to another user.
You can try disposing of an old mattress by following these helpful tips.
Start by applying baking soda to the mattress and letting it sit for a while. After about an hour, vacuum the mattress for complete cleaning. To address spots, mix mild detergent with water and clean them using a microfibre cloth. Wipe the spots by carefully dabbing your cloth across the stained area instead of rubbing.
Your decision to donate a mattress depends on its current condition. Therefore, it is essential to examine your mattress for structural flaws, bad smells, spots, or substantial holes. A well-conditioned mattress provides an excellent donation opportunity to help others in need.
Use Local Council To Dispose Of Mattress
Another great option is to check if your local council can take your mattress. They do charge a fee, but are responsible for waste collection and proper disposal. You can check online for nearby councils and add your postcode to find out their time and fee for bulky waste disposal.
Recycle Your Mattress
You can easily find a local disposal centre near you. Mattress disposal requires more work, but workers in your community can recycle your mattress. This is a far better choice than just throwing your mattress in the landfill. When it comes to mattress disposal, recycling requires more work, as workers open every single layer of the mattress. If the mattress has springs, it can be melted down into new metals. Moreover, the foam is used to make other things, like carpets or rugs.
Upcycle It Or Use For DIY
Many people who love DIY can dispose of mattress by creating extraordinary items out of them. The foam inside the mattress is perfect for padding, and you can even make your pet a new bed out of it. The springs can be used for art decor or resold.
Go For Junk Removal Services
To dispose of an old mattress, another choice is to choose junk removal services. However, this is an expensive disposal method, but it provides a smooth process for people seeking fast disposal.
Conclusion
Mattress disposal requires more than simply throwing it through regular means. Sustainable mattress disposal demands methods which avoid the creation of landfill pollution. To maximise mattress reuse potential, look for donation options at charities or explore online platforms to sell or recycle your mattress.
FAQs
What if my mattress has an odour? Can I still donate it?
Of course not. There are many possible causes of the odour. Try vacuuming with baking soda and putting the mattress out in the sunlight. If the odour remains, then it might not be a good idea to donate it to someone else.
Can you resell the mattress yourself?
Yes, you can. If the mattress is in good condition, you can always resell it at a lower price to friends and family or even in the marketplace. Many people purchase second-hand mattresses because they are more affordable.
Is it possible to recycle the mattress at home?
Yes, you can easily recycle the mattress yourself. You can separate the foam for DIY projects or padding. If you don’t want the springs, you can always sell them at scrap.