How to Dispose of a Mattress and the Signs That You Need a New One

Trying to find the right mattress for you can be daunting, and unfortunately, figuring out how to dispose of an old mattress can be just as frustrating.

There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to change their mattress. This could be due to a few factors, such as wear and tear of an old one, or new comfort requirements may be needed due to age, weight, or injuries.

Whatever the reason, knowing how you can dispose of your old mattress is useful to know, as there are a number of ways you can do this.

This article will be discussing the different ways you can dispose of your mattress so that you’ll be prepared if the situation arises.

How To Know If It's Time To Say Goodbye

The first thing you need to be aware of is when it is time to say goodbye to that mattress of yours. The general rule of thumb is that mattresses should be replaced every 8 years or so.

However, there are some that last longer than others. For example, innerspring-foam mattresses are said to only last around 6 years, whereas memory foam and latex mattresses can last up to 15 years if they are cared for properly.

Despite the above, how long your mattress will last depend on how well you look after it, and what kind of atmosphere it is exposed to in your bedroom.

The best way to determine whether it is time for an upgrade or not, is to assess the comfort it gives you.

Signs That You Need A New Mattress

There are a few signs that will determine whether your mattress needs replacing or not. For example, if you notice the mattress sags in certain areas, has lumps or coils that you can feel as you lie down, or has noisy springs, then it’s time for an upgrade.

There are also signs of your quality of sleep. For example, you may constantly wake up feeling tired and achy, you may find it hard to get comfortable throughout the night and find it hard to fall asleep. If you sleep with a partner, you may also find that every movement they make wakes you up, as well as any sounds they make on the bed.

If any of these are things you are experiencing, then it may be time to say goodbye to that mattress.

Aside from the above, there may be situational changes that impact your need for a new mattress. Perhaps a partner has moved in, and your old mattress isn’t suitable for two people. Maybe you’ve adopted a pet, and your old mattress can’t support this new distribution of weight.

Whatever the reason, once you’ve decided it’s time for a new mattress, there are a few ways you can dispose of the old one.

Donate It

Donating your mattress to a charity is a great way to make a difference for those less fortunate. However, you must ensure that your mattress is in a fit enough state for it to be donated, as there are certain guidelines you must follow.

Your mattress cannot under any circumstances have any infestations in it, such as bed bugs or any mold spores. Even if you have cleaned it thoroughly, these infestations tend to be buried deep within the mattress, and this will make your mattress unsuitable for donation.

There cannot be any structural problems with your mattress. This means that there can’t be any jutting or broken or bent coils. These problems are usually visible from the outside of the mattress itself, so if you notice any of these, it means you won’t be able to donate your mattress.

Any rips, tears, or holes in your mattress will also make it unsuitable for donation, as well as stains. These include large and small stains. However, if there are some very small stains that can be removed with some cleaning methods, then you may be able to donate it.

Giving It Away

If no local charities are in need of a new mattress, or there aren’t any close by, you could always give your mattress away directly.

You can do this by posting it on social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, or NextDoor. You must be completely honest about the fact this it has been used, and how old it is. You should take clear photos and post the exact dimensions, to avoid anyone accepting it and finding out it is too big or too small.

You should also place flyers around local cafés, schools, and shops, displaying photos of the mattress itself. Here, you should also specify the size, age, and the fact that it has been used.

Recycle It

Another option would be to recycle your mattress. You may be able to find a local recycling center that accepts whole mattresses as they are. Here, they will take it off your hands and follow their regular process for recycling.

If there aren’t any recycling facilities around you that take on entire mattresses, you can break down the mattress yourself and recycle the parts. However, you should call the recycling center near you to make sure they’ll accept these parts.

You can also upcycle your mattress, especially if you are good with DIY. Some parts of a mattress can be used as additions to garden furniture or can be added to other furniture in your home.

Throw It Out

Lastly, the final resort would be to throw out your mattress. However, different states have rules about what you can and can’t leave out on the curb as garbage. You can find this out through a quick google search of your state.

You may also be able to use a waste disposal service that specializes in disposing of garbage that can’t be thrown away normally. These services will often provide a pick-up service, where they will take away any heavy garbage you can’t dispose of yourself!

Final Thoughts

To conclude, there are several ways you can dispose of your mattress, from donating to upcycling.

We hope this article has provided you with useful information on how you can do this.