The United States throws away approximately 18.2 million mattresses a year with more than 50,000 mattresses ending up in landfills every day. To help cut down on waste, mattress owners should look for ways to properly dispose of their mattress.
Typically, you should replace your mattress every 10 years. Of course, this number will vary from person to person and the type of mattress you have. When you opt to replace yours will largely depend on how often you use your mattress and how well you take care of it.
Wondering how to dispose of a mattress properly? Leaving it on the curb is not going to cut it and taking it to the city dump can be stressful. Not disposing of your bed properly can lead to some hefty fines, so it’s important to do your research first.
Before getting rid of your mattress, you’ll want to check your mattress’s warranty. A warranty is basically a time frame the mattress company will give in which they will replace your mattress if it gets damaged. Usually, this number is anywhere between five and 10 years, however, every warranty is different.
You’ll want to check if your warranty covers mattress removal and replacement. If your warranty doesn’t cover removal, you’ll have to dispose of the mattress on your own.
Before disposing of your mattress, research your state’s policies for mattress removal. Some states — such as Connecticut, California, and Rhode Island — make mattress recycling a no brainer with robust laws and recycling programs that can take the mattress off your hands. However, not all states are like this. It’s important to do your own research to see if there are any policies your state enforces.
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to dispose of your mattress. To help, we’ve outlined each mattress disposal option available to you below.
Donating your mattress can be a wonderful way to contribute to those in need, but it’s crucial to ensure that it’s in a condition that’s both safe and comfortable for the next user. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine if your mattress makes the cut for donation.
First and foremost, a mattress with any kind of infestation, particularly bed bugs or mold, is a definite no-go for donation. These pests can burrow deep into the mattress, making surface cleaning ineffective. If your mattress has been home to these unwelcome guests, it’s best to rule out donation.
A good mattress should maintain its shape and structure. Look out for broken or protruding coils, excessive sagging, or any irregularities in shape. These are signs of major structural problems that render a mattress unsuitable for donation.
Rips, tears, or holes, no matter their size, disqualify a mattress from being donated. This includes everything from small punctures to larger gashes. Ensure the mattress cover is intact as well.
Stains are a big red flag. A mattress with visible stains, discoloration, or any signs of wear and tear is not ideal for donation. However, if there are minor spots or stains, you might be able to clean them up for donation.
It might sound unusual, but vacuuming your mattress can effectively remove dust, pet hair, and other debris. Use a handheld or regular vacuum for this purpose.
For small stains, spot cleaning can be effective. You can use a non-toxic enzyme cleaner or a homemade solution of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda. Apply, blot, and dry. Alternatively, a mix of lemon juice and salt can also be applied to stains and wiped off after an hour.
If your mattress has a noticeable odor, try sprinkling baking soda on its surface, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it off. For persistent odors, airing the mattress outside can help. If the smell persists, it might be best to skip donation.
In the end, deciding whether your mattress is suitable for donation boils down to common sense. It should be structurally sound, clean, and free from any infestations or odors. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable receiving it as a donation. If not, it’s better to explore other disposal options.
If your mattress passes these checks and you feel it’s in good condition for donation, that’s fantastic! You’re now ready to find the perfect way to give your mattress a second life.
The best and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of a mattress is to recycle it. Throwing your mattress in the garbage means it will end up in a landfill and add to the planet’s waste. According to the Mattress Recycling Council, more than 75% of mattresses can be recycled. So, why not try and recycle yours?
To check to see if your mattress can be recycled, conduct a quick Google search using your zip code to see if there are mattress recycling services in your city (ex: mattress recycling programs zip code 10004).
Usually, these programs will be able to pick up your mattress for a small fee (usually no more than $40). States like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island make mattress recycling easy with free pick up or very low-cost options. However, the specifics will vary by state.
If you can’t find any mattress recycling facilities in your area, you can check out these other resources:
There are situations where your mattress won’t be able to be donated. This is the case if your mattress is wet, stained, or infested with bed bugs — torn or ripped mattresses are usually okay.
If your mattress is still in good condition, try donating to a local charity or business that accepts mattress donations. Some businesses will offer free pickup and donating your mattress may make you eligible for a tax deduction.
Some organizations you can donate your mattress to include:
Another option is to reach out to local businesses. Contact hotels, hospitals, universities, thrift stores, or homeless shelters in your area to see if they’re in need of an old mattress. If they don’t need one, you can always ask where they go to recycle their mattresses; they may be able to point you in the right direction.
If your mattress is in good shape and recycling or donating aren’t options for you, try reselling it. You may not make a ton of money, but you never know — someone in your network might need a used mattress and be interested in purchasing it from you.
Take advantage of your social media channels by posting that you have a used mattress up for grabs. You can also utilize online marketplaces like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, or Craigslist. Just post a picture of your mattress on one of these sites and offer up a price. When all else fails, you can list it as “free” on Craigslist.
If you love to DIY, break down the mattress and box springs yourself. Mattresses contain a variety of useful materials including steel, polyurethane foam, memory foam, latex foam, natural fibers, wooden parts, nails, screws, and much more.
You can use the materials for a variety of purposes including:
When in doubt, check out Pinterest for even more ways you can repurpose your old mattress.
If you’ve exhausted all your options and are unable to recycle, donate, resell, or repurpose your old mattress, the last option is to throw it out. However, that doesn’t mean leaving it next to your dumpster. Many cities and states have specific rules and regulations in place around throwing away mattresses. Several cities don’t allow you to leave a mattress in the trash — doing so can result in a ticket or fine.
Some areas will allow you to throw out a mattress in the Dumpster; however, there may be specific rules around it. For example, some cities may require you to wrap the mattress in a plastic mattress bag. It’s always best to check the regulations of your area before throwing out your mattress.
If you live in an area that doesn’t allow you to throw out your mattress with your regular trash, there are a couple of other options available.
Throwing out your mattress should be your last option. However, if you have to do it, make sure to do it responsibly.
After you’ve had your mattress for about seven years, you should begin inspecting it for wear and tear. If you start to notice any of the below signs, it’s probably time to get a new mattress.
There is no exact time to get rid of your mattress, however, if you start to notice any of the above signs impact your sleep, it may be time for a new one.
One of the best things about Casper mattresses is that our limited warranty covers the full 10 years. So, you’re guaranteed to have restful sleep for a full decade.
We believe that improving the way the world sleeps also means improving our impact on the environment. That’s why we created a bedding recycling program called Resnooze & Recycle.
If you’re looking to get rid of your old bedding, all you have to do is follow three simple steps:
It’s a win, win. If you’re looking to buy a new mattress, Casper mattresses are specifically designed to last long-term, with comfort in mind.
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