Mattress Recycling: What To Do with Your Old Mattress

So it’s finally time for a new mattress. Congratulations! It’s definitely an exciting time to get a new mattress and improve your sleep. However, now you have to figure out what to do with your old mattress. One option is to recycle your old mattress. Mattress recycling is an eco-friendly way to give your old mattress new life in one form or another. Let’s take a look out how to recycle your mattress and why it’s a great option. 

Find A Recycling Program 

California is one of three states with a Mattress Stewardship Program. In fact, The California Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act aims to reduce illegal dumping, increase recycling, and substantially reduce public agency costs for the end-of-use management of used mattresses. There are recycling programs and collection sites that will recycle your old mattress. Visit bybyemattress.com for a mattress recycler near you.  California residents can drop off their old mattresses and box springs at no-cost at a participating collection site or event. However, there may be a minimal fee if you want these recyclers to pick up your old mattress.   

Call A Secondhand Store 

Secondhand stores like Goodwill or The Salvation Army may take your old mattress. And the best part is, your donation may be tax deductible! In fact, according to The Salvation Army, the tax deductible value of a mattress can be up to $176. Both Goodwill and the Salvation Army will come pick up your mattress. However, they aren’t the only two organizations that will accept your mattress. Habitat For Humanity, The Arc, Furniture Bank Network, and PickUpMyDonation.com all offer similar services. Keep in mind, your mattress may need to be in good enough shape for these organizations to accept it. If it’s completely worn down, they may not want it. Call to ask if they accept mattress recycling and see if yours is in acceptable condition. Instead of figuring out how to get rid of your old mattress, contact one of these organizations first.  

The Buy Nothing Project 

The Buy Nothing Project is another great way to recycle your mattress. You can join your neighborhood Buy Nothing group on Facebook that includes other members of your local community. Members post items they are giving away for free, giving other members the chance to claim it. You can also post what you are looking for, in hopes that another member is willing to give it away for free. If you’re considering what to do with your old mattress, give it to someone else who needs it. Simply join your local Buy Nothing group and create a post offering your mattress. It’s best to include photos, dimensions, and the condition of your mattress. If somebody needs it, they’ll come and take it off your hands! 

Why Recycle Your Mattress? 

Did you know that about 80% of materials in the average mattress can be easily recycled? Most mattresses are made of a wood frame, steel springs, polyurethane foam and an outer fabric. The metal springs can be sold as scrap metal, as steel is one of the most commonly recycled materials in the world. The wood of the mattress can be used for mulch. In addition, the foam can be recycled into carpet padding, and the fabrics turned it into industrial machinery filters. 

Each year, 15 to 20 million mattresses are thrown out in the U.S. Furthermore, each old mattress disposal takes up 40 cubic feet of space in a landfill. Stop figuring out how to dispose of your old mattress and consider giving it new life. As the old saying goes “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” There are plenty of people who may need a mattress yet can’t afford one. This is a great opportunity for you to help someone in need. You may also want to consider storing it away until you can find better use for it. After all, you never know if or when it could come in handy.  

Speak To Our Sleep Consultants 

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, call or visit your local Sit ‘n Sleep. Our highly-trained Sleep Consultants will guide you through the process of finding the right mattress. We also offer high-end beds-in-a-box where we’ll ship your mattress right to you. Almost every one of our beds-in-a-box come with a great sleep trial and warranty. As a result, you can make sure it’s the perfect mattress for you before committing. Whether you come in store or order online, you can trust your sleep to Sit ‘n Sleep.