A mattress has a lifespan of 5-10 years, depending on the materials and how often it is used. While this may seem like a long time, you will eventually need to eventually get rid of an old, worn-out mattress to make room for a new one. The only question is: how?
Mattresses are bulky, heavy, and made of synthetic materials. This poses a unique challenge for disposal and potential negative effects if you choose the wrong course. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly, responsible, and convenient methods for mattress disposal. This guide will help you choose the best way to get rid of an old mattress responsibly.
Why Proper Mattress Disposal Matters
Proper disposal of your mattress helps you address three important concerns: Environmental impact, health safety, and legal regulations.
Environmental Impact
Mattresses are made of synthetic materials like foam and springs that don’t break down easily. Instead of contributing to landfill overflow, you can choose a disposal option that recycles the materials instead.
Health Concerns
Leaving a mattress by the curb can pose a serious health risk. An old mattress is the perfect home for pests, mold, and other things that you don’t want building a population near your home. Proper disposal ensures cleanliness and safe removal.
Legal Regulations
Some cities and local ordinances may also prohibit methods of improper mattress disposal, so choosing the right course is also legally important.
Responsible Ways to Get Rid of an Old Mattress
What are the most responsible and practical ways to get rid of a mattress? Your best options include donation, recycling, retailer take-back programs, or a junk hauler services that will choose the best next-step on your behalf.
Donation
If the mattress is gently used, there are a number of organizations like shelters and second-hand stores that will give the mattress to someone in need. Remember that donation is only an option if the mattress is:
- Clean
- Has no major damage
- Free of mold or pests
- It is still suitable for safe and hygienic sleeping.
Recycling
Mattress recycling is an excellent option that puts the synthetic materials back into use. A mattress recycler will do things like reclaim the layers of foam, metal springs, and fabric to be repurposed into new items made of those materials.
Some mattress recycling resources include
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Some furniture retailers offer mattress removal and recycling programs when you purchase a new mattress. It’s an eco-friendly incentive program that incorporates the cyclical nature of mattress purchases. After all, most of us will go through at least a dozen mattresses in the household during our own lifespan. Mattress retailers with a take-back program include
- Ikea
- Mattress Firm
- Raymour & Flanigan
- HassleLes Mattress
Junk Hauling Services
Of course, you don’t have to get rid of your mattress personally. Professional junk removal services like Anthony’s Junk Hauling can offer responsible mattress disposal or recycling on your behalf. When you partner with a responsible junk hauler, you can rest assured that your mattress will be donated, recycled, or safely disposed of based on it’s condition when hauled away.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
When you need to get rid of a mattress, it can be tempting to take a shortcut. However, there are some serious downsides to these common mattress removal mistakes.
- Dumping by the Curb – Simply dumping your mattress outdoors has several serious consequences:
- It may be illegal
- It’s bad for the environment. Even if your trash team takes it on bulk day, mattresses fill landfills with non-bio-degradable mass.
- An abandoned outdoor mattress can become home to mold, pests, and unwanted critters.
- Burning the Mattress – Never, ever burn a mattress. They are made of synthetic materials and release toxic fumes when burned.
- Ignoring Disposal Guidelines – You may face fines and other legal penalties for improper mattress disposal without checking local regulations.
Steps for Preparing Your Mattress for Disposal
When you’re ready to dispose of your mattress, taking the right initial steps can help your mattress find the best destination. By following these steps, your mattress will soon be off your hands with a clean conscience.
- Inspect the Mattress – Determine if your mattress is suitable for donation, recycling, or disposal
- Donation: Gently used. Clean and in good condition.
- Recycling: Worn out or damaged, but reasonably clean and safe.
- Disposal: Contaminated with mold, pests, or hazardous spills
- Research Your Options – Research local services that will take away your mattress
- Local donation groups
- Recycling centers and services
- Junk hauling services
- Schedule a PIckup – Have your mattress picked up from your home.
Local Resources for Mattress Disposal
For residents of Bloomington, IN, we are glad to share a list of local resources to help you get rid of a mattress efficiently and responsibly.
Donation Options
Recycling Facilities
- Retail haul-away with the purchase of a new mattress
- Mattress Recycling Providers (listed above)
Government Bulk Waste Program
Responsible Junk Hauling
The Benefits of Responsible Mattress Disposal
When you choose a responsible route to get rid of an old mattress, you will enjoy a bounty of positive effects and benefits as a result. You can know that your environmentally friendly choice to donate or recycle has reduced landfill waste and contributed to recycling initiatives. You can help families if your mattress is suitable for donation and you gain peace of mind from making an eco-conscious choice.
Best of all, you don’t have to haul the mattress on your own. With the help of an eco-responsible junk service like Anthony’s Junk Hauling, you can get the mattress safely out of your home and feel confident knowing the Anthony’s team will make sure your mattress is donated or recycled based on its condition.
The Best Destination for Your Old Mattress
Responsible mattress disposal contributes to a healthy environment and may even help others in need. Take action by exploring the most suitable method listed above to ensure your mattress finds the right path after you have made space for a new mattress in your home. Whether your mattress is suitable for donation or recycling, you can count on Anthony’s Junk Hauling to ensure a responsible conclusion.
Need help getting rid of your old mattress? Contact us today for fast and eco-friendly mattress removal services!
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