When your mattress has reached the end of its life, it can be hard to know what to do with it. Getting rid of it in an eco-friendly way is a huge hassle. They’re often not accepted at second-hand stores, and landfills will frequently charge an extra fee because they are difficult to compact and can cause toxic, flammable air pockets.
Mattresses are usually made from wood, steel, cotton, and polyurethane foam, most of which is non-recyclable. This is why most mattresses end up illegally dumped in alleyways or on curbsides next to dumpsters.
So what can you do to ensure your old mattress is disposed of properly? Here are five eco-friendly mattress disposal methods you can try.
Return it to the Manufacturer
If you’re purchasing a new mattress to replace your old one, ask the manufacturer if they accept used mattresses for recycling. Because so many mattresses are disposed of each day, some manufacturers have begun recycling them. If you purchase from a retailer, you may be able to recycle with them as well.
Sell or Give it Away
If the mattress is still in decent condition you may be able to sell it online or give it away. Start by asking family and friends if they are in need or know of someone who is. If all else fails, consider Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or LetGo.
Donate it to Charity
Depending on the laws in your area, you may be able to donate the mattress to a charity such as Salvation Army or Goodwill. If not, check with your local Habitat for Humanity chapter, churches, or homeless shelters to see if they will accept it. You can also use this method as a write off during tax season.
Break it Down Yourself
If you have the time and tools, you can break down the mattress on your own. Cut around the edge of the mattress to peel away the fabric covering. These can be disposed of in your regular trash can. Use a saw to cut up the wood frame which you can then use as kindling or wood chips. The box spring can be taken to a recycling center or sold as scrap metal.
Call JunkShot!
Of course, it’s possible that none of the above mattress disposal methods will be an available option for you. If that’s the case, give JunkShot a call! All you have to do is take a photo of your old mattress in our app and we’ll quote you a price to have it removed! Then, we will schedule a time to come and pick it up and take it off your hands!
This is often the easiest and least stressful mattress disposal method which is why so many of our users have done it! It completely eliminates the need to call everyone in town or worry about trying to sell it online. Give us a call at 855-297-5865 or download our app in the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store.
