Mattress Collections - How to responsibly dispose of your old mattress
A new mattress should feel like a fresh start. But there's always that lingering question, isn't there - "what am I gonna do with the old one?".
Ignoring the fact that a mattress is notoriously cumbersome and hard to maneuver, they're frustratingly difficult to recycle. With that being said, we have a responsibility to our communities and our planet to ensure the proper care is taken to have them disposed of and treated in the right way.
If you've got an old mattress to be rid of and don't know where to start, then this is the post for you.
Why responsible mattress disposal matters
Every year, we throw away millions of old mattresses, most of which get taken to landfill or end up fly-tipped. Councils across the UK divert massive amounts of resources, and millions of pounds towards clearing up illegally dumped junk, the most common item they come across? You guessed it; mattresses.
Fortunately, a mattress is made up of things which can be recycled: metal springs can be turned into virtually anything if separated out; the fabric can be repurposed for industrial uses; and foam can be reused for carpet underlay. But its not uncommon for domestic tips and recycling centers to refuse them, so it's important to know your options.
Mattress disposal options
Whether it's a mattress on it's last legs, a long overdo upgrade, or just an issue of surplus, here's a list of the ways to get rid while keeping a clean conscience and avoiding fines.
1. Local Recycling spots
The biggest obstacle for this option is transport, but providing you can arrange that this is a great way to dispose of your mattress. The best part? It's free! Well, sort of - the cost to recycle your waste at a domestic tip comes out of the council tax you pay, why not get your money's worth!
Make sure to check ahead to see if your local tip actually accepts mattresses, and actually recycles them too. Some still rely on landfill to process their waste.
2. The council
Check to see if your council offers a Bulky Waste Collection service for a fee. The benefit here is that some councils will come to your house to collect the mattress from out the front - no transport needed - however, others require you move it to a designated pickup point.
This option can also present some issues if you're particularly busy as delays can occur, availability can vary and they won't always confirm the collection. Furthermore, some councils refuse to collect the waste if its wet through - so you can't leave it outside if it's raining.
3. Donating to charity
If your mattress isn't stained, damaged or worn, you might be able to donate it to a charity. Some charities, like the British Heart Foundation accept mattresses so long as they still have an intact fire safety label. This is a great option in the name of ethical reuse; extending the life of an expensive, arguably-essential item like a mattress is a much better way to be rid of it.
4. Offering to neighbours, friends and family
In a similar vein as donation, you can always ask your friends and family if they're in need of a new mattress - one's trash may be another's treasure!
4. Selling your mattress online
Why not make a bit of cash while you clear out? Listing your mattress on sellers platforms like EBay, Freecycle, or Facebook Marketplace could be the solution for you. Be clear about its fire safety regulations and condition! These sites have very little tolerance for false advertising.
5. Book a professional collection
Why not have someone come and take the mattress from inside the house? Paying a private company to collect your junk is the hands-off option. It's a stress free alternative to juggling all the challenges that come with getting rid of your mattress. Busy schedule?
Easy online booking systems can ensure you get a collection at a time that suits you. Unable to handle and move the mattress yourself? Man and van collection teams are great for getting at junk in hard to reach areas. Worried about costs? You certainly get what you pay for when you choose a service like Monster Junk.
To get started, simply request a quote online. From there, you can book a time and date, then leave the rest up to us.
Learn more about what we do here:
What NOT to do when you're disposing of an old mattress
Certain methods of removal can be more trouble than they're worth. Here’s what to avoid:
- Dumping it – Fly-tipping is illegal and can lead to hefty fines. Also, don't pay someone else to dump it!
- Burning it – Burning a mattress releases harmful toxins into the surrounding environment, potentially harming wildlife and affecting ecosystems.
- Skipping it – Don't put your mattress in a skip, most skip providers won’t accept mattresses and other hazardous waste without charging more
If you experience any doubts about the people you're paying to remove your waste, listen to your gut! Ask waste companies if they're licensed, they should be able to present a waste carrier's license on request.