What to Do With Old Mattress?
If you already decided that it is time to retire your old mattress and you purchased a new one, you might be thinking: what to do with old mattress? If you have an old bed that you no longer need, knowing what to do with it can be tricky.
There are different methods to dispose of your old mattress. Each of these methods has their own benefits and downside.
If you don’t know what to do with old mattress and you want to know to dispose of it, here is a step-by-step guide on how to handle the process as efficiently and as smoothly as possible.
How To Recycle Your Old Mattress
Most mattress can be recycled. Recycling your old mattress is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to dispose of your old bed.
Step 1: Make sure that your mattress is not soaked, stained or bug-infested.
Step 2: Locate the mattress recycling center nearest to your place. You can find these locations here.
Step 3: Get in touch with the mattress recycling center and ask the following questions:
- What’s the cost of mattress recycling?
- Do they offer pick-up services or you need to take it directly to the place?
Step 4: Prepare the mattress for recycling. Make sure to ask instructions from the recycling center on how to prepare your old bed.
In a lot of places, there are costs associated with recycling an old bed. If you will be the one to deliver the mattress to the recycling center, there is a fee of around $10 to $20. This includes preparing the mattress for recycling and the labor for doing the tasks.
If you are not available to deliver the mattress to the facility and the service is available, the recycling center can also pick up your old bed. However, it might double the amount to $20 to $40.
The Mattress Recycling Process
To recycle the old mattress, it will be broken down into smaller parts. The process starts by cutting the mattress open and separating the types of materials inside.
- The softer materials such as cotton, foam, and polyester are compressed for reuse. They are used in different products such as carpets, insulation, padding or textiles.
- The metal, such as the steel used in the foam, are repurposed as scrap for reuse in building materials and other products.
- Some mattresses also have wood products. These wood products are pulverized for mulch or burned as a fuel source.
- Other products which are not recyclable are disposed of in a landfill.
How to Donate Your Mattress
Another option of what to do with old mattress, especially if your old bed is still in top shape, is to donate them. A lot of charitable institutions are accepting old mattress which is then converted to beds for the needy.
Step 1: Make sure that your bed is in good condition for donation. There should be no obvious stains or broken components.
Step 2: Look for the nearest charitable institution near your place.
Step 3: Get in touch with the organization and ask if they accept mattress donations. If you cannot deliver the mattress, you may also ask if they offer pickups.
Step 4: Donate your old bed and ask for a donation receipt.
Why Should You Donate Your Old Mattress?
Donating your old one is a good way to pay it forward. Donating your old bed may sound an easy task, but due to the size and nature of the mattress, it can be more complicated to donate rather than giving away your clothes.
One of the first things to keep in mind is that you can only donate mattresses which are in good condition. It should be free of stains, bugs, and broken parts. If you can’t give it to a friend or you cannot sleep on it, you should not give it up for donation.
Unlike with recycling your old mattress, there is no cost associated with donating it. However, if you choose to have it picked up from your home, it is possible that there will be a small fee to apply.
How to Throw Away Your Mattress
If your old mattress is in bad condition and it is not eligible for donating or recycle, you don’t have any choice but to throw it away. However, even if you see people doing it, don’t just leave your mattress on the side of the street. Instead, follow these basic steps when throwing your mattress away:
Step 1: Check with the old seller or manufacturer of your mattress if offer disposal services.
Step 2: Determine if you can transport your old mattress to a transfer station or local dump site. If you can haul it, check with your local government if there are costs associated with disposing of an old mattress and the hours when the dump is open.
Step 3: If you cannot haul your old bed, get quotations from your local junk hauling services. Make sure that the prices that you will get are the “all-in” pricing already. It should include the handling, taxes, and other charges. By doing a simple internet search, you can find the nearest junk hauling companies near your place.
Step 4: Select the best company offer. Coordinate a pickup time and mode of payment.
How to Repurpose Your Old Mattress
If you want to do the DIY option, you can repurpose your old bed yourself.
Step 1: Prepare the tools you need and arrange receptacles for trash and other materials. Make sure that you have enough space to work on.
Step 2: Cut the exterior of the mattress cover.
Step 3: Remove the layers and sort out the different materials.
Step 4: Dispose of any trash or waste products.
Step 5: You may either reuse these materials or sell them out through Craiglist or Facebook.
Why Should You Repurpose Your Old Bed?
If you don’t know what to do with old mattress, repurposing it saves you a lot of money. It removes the costs associated with recycling or disposing of your old bed. Plus, you can make a few dollars by selling the scrap materials.
However, repurposing your old bed can be time-consuming and messy at the same time. Taking the parts of your old mattress may take a lot of space and time plus selling them takes time as well.
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