Getting rid of an old mattress can be a bit difficult.
So, it’s time for a new mattress at last and you’re (-quite rightly) jazzed about it. Congrats! I foresee many restful nights in your future… Nonetheless, a fairly important question may be nagging at you—or, alternately, may not even have occurred: What should you do with the old one?
Bit of a head-scratcher, huh. Thankfully, there are practical, eco-friendly options available, from donating mattresses in good condition to repurposing some of the materials and recycling others—all hassle-free. (Note: More than 75% of a mattress’s composite material can be recycled. That’s certainly a bit of good news for the ol’ environment.)
Read along below for the nitty gritty on how best to dispose of your old mattress.
Knowing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Old Mattress
Before we dive into the disposal options, let’s briefly touch on when it’s time to part ways with your trusty old mattress. According to research from the Better Sleep Council, consumers tend to hang on to their mattresses for an average of 9.4 years. However, the age of your mattress isn’t the only factor to consider. If you consistently wake up with aches and pains, that could well be a strong signal that it’s time for a new mattress.
Most experts suggest mattress replacement time arrives somewhere between 7 to 10 years. It’s a good general guideline—albeit admittedly pretty broad—but if your mattress just isn’t performing like it did when it was new, an early retirement might be in order; listen closely to your body and it’ll lend expert discretion. (-Of course, you can always consult your actual local mattress professionals at any time for guidance.)
Where to Start: Ask Your Retailer or Check Local Policies
When you buy your new mattress, ask your bedding retailer if they can help you dispose of your old one. That’s one convenient option. If they don’t offer such services, contact your local municipality to see what their waste-management policies are for curb-side mattress pick-ups.
The Green Solution: ByeByeMattress
A fantastic resource for mattress disposal is ByeByeMattress.com, operated by the non-profit Mattress Recycling Council. They successfully recycle an estimated two million mattresses each year, diverting a whopping 65 million pounds of useful material from the waste stream. The metal components (e.g., springs/coils) can be extracted and sent to scrap recyclers, and wood elements can be repurposed as fuel or mulch for landscaping. Foam padding may find new life as carpet underlayment or comfy pet beds. These recycling efforts also help reduce illegal dumping, create jobs, and decrease reliance on landfills.
Donation and Free Giveaway Options
If your mattress is still in good condition, consider donating it to organizations like the National Furniture Bank. These non-profit organizations collect gently used household furnishings and provide them to families in need.
Alternatively, you can give your old mattress away for free. Post it on neighborhood Facebook pages, Facebook Marketplace, or FreeCycle. You might also find takers on Craigslist or local pet rescue centers that can use them for animal bedding.
Repurposing: Get Creative!
For the DIY enthusiasts out there, old mattresses are a treasure trove of reusable materials. Recycled padding and foam can become pillows, seat cushions, ottomans, and more. Use them to bolster support under sagging sofa cushions or as packing material for shipping or moving.
Old mattress springs can find new life in your garden as trellises for climbing plants.
After stripping off the padding, lean the springs against a wall and let your plants thrive. You can even paint the springs and turn them into a living wall by wrapping plants in coco liner.
Metal springs can be repurposed for indoor decor projects, from wine racks and bill holders to unique light fixtures. Pinterest is a veritable goldmine for DIY inspiration.
-And hey, maybe you’ll even wind up sleeping a bit better for your efforts as an eco-warrior!
A GOOD NIGHT OF REST WITH MATTRESS PEDDLERS
When doing your research on Mattress Peddlers, you’ll find we match up to top-quality mattress company criteria, and even go beyond it! We’ve been a family-owned business providing quality mattresses and furniture throughout Delaware and even beyond since 1994. We love working closely with our customers to figure out their needs and also offer free shipping throughout Lewes, Millsboro, Rehoboth Beach, Harbeson, and the surrounding areas of Delaware.