When you start to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle, you’ll find that you spend more time recycling and reusing items rather than simply throwing them away. The less waste you can create, the more the environment can thrive. However, there will be times in your life when you’re simply not sure what you need to do to get rid of an old item that you no longer have use for.
If your old and lumpy mattress is far past its best and you can’t donate it to someone in need, then you’ll need to figure out how you’re going to dispose of it without causing any excess damage to the environment. Here are a few things you’ll need to know about disposing of your old mattress.
1. Always Try Donating First
The average mattress lasts for anywhere between 7 and 8 years. If you’ve decided to get a new mattress, but your old one isn’t completely worn out yet, then you might be able to donate the old product to an organization in need of help.
One particularly good option for international donors is the Salvation Army. This group has thrift stores throughout the world, and the group can provide a furniture pickup service for mattress donations in certain locations. Donations to the Salvation Army are tax-deductible too. If the salvation army isn’t an option, try:
- Habitat for Humanity International
- Furniture Bank Association of America
- Goodwill
- Local charity stores
- Homeless shelters
Remember, your mattress needs to be in good condition for a donation. That means no tears, no damage that might cause discomfort to a new user, and no bedbugs!
2. Recycling is the Second Best Option
If a donation isn’t possible for you, then you can consider recycling your mattress instead. Up to 90% of your mattress can be recycled and repurposed to create new products. To make sure that you’re recycling your mattress correctly, you’ll need to go online and track down the nearest recycling center that accepts mattresses.
There are likely to be a few options in your local area. For a small fee, some companies will even pick the mattress up for you if you don’t have a way to get the item to them. Remember, most centers will allow you to submit a mattress for recycling if it isn’t in the best condition. However, recycling centers will not take mattresses that have been exposed to pests or bed bugs. Check the terms and conditions of your recycling plant.
3. Junk Removal Companies Can Help You Out
Finally, if you’re getting rid of a mattress that can’t be recycled, and isn’t any good for donation, then your only option will be to have it removed by a junk removal company. These businesses will take items to the dump if they need to go there, but most junk removal companies will also try to recycle or donate used mattresses before simply throwing them away.
Residential junk removal services have the right people and expertise to handle the challenging task of decluttering and disposing of unwanted items in your home. These services typically employ skilled and experienced professionals trained to efficiently and safely remove various types of junk, whether it’s old mattresses, furniture, appliances, electronics, construction debris, or general household clutter.
Using these kinds of companies will cost you a small amount of money, depending on the size and weight of the mattress. Many will charge by volume, although others do charge on a per-item basis. You should also consider checking the warranty of your old mattress before you get rid of it, as the manufacturer might offer disposal services.
But how do you prepare your old mattress for junk removal? You can follow some steps to ensure a smooth and efficient pickup by the removal service. Firstly, strip the mattress off all bedding and linens and ensure it’s completely bare. Inspect the mattress for any hazardous materials, like bedbugs, and inform the removal service accordingly if found. In case of rain or moisture concerns, protect the mattress by covering it with a plastic mattress bag or a large plastic sheet.
If your mattress is part of a larger bed frame, disassemble it as needed. Ensure that all hazardous materials, like sharp edges and protruding springs, are out of children’s reach. Communicate with the removal service in advance, schedule a pickup, and discuss any specific requirements they may have regarding size or weight restrictions. On the scheduled pickup day, be present or provide access to the removal team and comply with local regulations for mattress disposal.
Additionally, if you’re replacing your old bed with a new one, see whether the company that you’re buying the new mattress from offer a removal service. Some companies are more than happy to responsibly dispose of your old mattress when they deliver your new one.
Pingback: 5 clever ways to get rid of your old mattress | When Women Inspire