Is it okay to throw away my old mattress? Yes, you can throw your old mattress in the trash, but keep in mind that doing so has major environmental effects. Every year, over 20 million old mattresses and box springs are discarded in the United States. The problem is that rubbish in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas that plays a significant role in climate change. Worse, if the mattresses end up in open landfills rather than confined ones, they will account for 91% of all landfill methane emissions.
If you insist on throwing your mattress in the trash, however, we recommend that you do so appropriately by following these steps:
So, how to get rid of a mattress for free:
- Check to discover whether your municipality provides bulk garbage collection.
- Wrap your mattress in a plastic bag, preferably one that is made from recycled materials.
However, there are more ways of getting rid of your mattress for free:
Return to Manufacturer
Ask the shop if you can take your old mattress and return it to the manufacturer if you’re buying a new mattress to replace the one you wish to get rid of. Many manufacturers are taking on the duty of mattress recycling themselves, with an estimated 50,000 mattresses discarded each day in the United States.
Sell Or Give It Away
Consider selling it for a reasonable amount or offering it for free on Craigslist or OfferUp, if you’re trying to get rid of a nicely used mattress. Passing a mattress on to someone who will use it, as long as it doesn’t have bed bugs or visible symptoms of wear, can be a realistic and environmentally good option.
Donate Your Old Mattress to a Good Cause
Check with local non-profits to see if they can put the mattress to good use. Organizations like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may be able to take a used mattress off your hands, depending on local health department requirements. Churches, Habitat for Humanity, and homeless shelters are all terrific places to look. Once you’ve found a location that will accept your old mattress, hire a Dolly to transport it to its new location.
You Can Dismantle the Mattress by Yourself
You can easily dismantle a mattress if you have the time, space, and tools. Simply cut the fabric covering around the edge and peel the cloth and foam away from the box springs and wooden frame. These materials can be rolled into a compact bundle and thrown away in your ordinary trash dumpster. You can take a saw to the frame and cut it up, which you can then burn or transform into wood chips. Take the box springs to a recycling center or scrap yard.
When Should You Get Rid of a Mattress?
When you start having trouble sleeping through the night, you’ll know it’s time to get rid of your mattress. It’s possible that you’re tossing and turning in an attempt to get comfortable because your mattress is worn out. When you observe the indicators listed below, according to the National Sleep Foundation, it’s time to replace your mattress.
- When you get out of bed, the divets no longer bounce back.
- The mattress is sagging or has lumps in it.
- The fabric has coils poking through it.
- The springs make a lot of noise.
Also, if you have allergy symptoms or allergic reactions at night, your mattress may be at fault. This is because they provide an ideal environment for dust mites, a common household allergy. A reaction to a house dust mite in youngsters can be severe enough to develop asthma. A simple remedy such as a mattress casing may be helpful, or you may need to replace your mattress with one that is hypoallergenic.
Our Quick-Pick For Most Durable Mattress
The Zoma Mattress is a long-lasting mattress that promotes deeper sleep. The Zoma Mattress was designed with athletes in mind, and it stimulates muscle rehabilitation and improves physical performance.
You can benefit from a pain-relieving, cooling mattress even if you aren’t an athlete. For most sleep styles, we recommend the Zoma Mattress. The top layer of the Zoma Mattress is constructed of TriangulexTM technology gel memory foam. The memory foam’s gel infusions keep you cool and dry at night, while the TriangulexTM technology supports your spine and back.
ReactivTM foam, durable transition foam with latex-like springiness, is the second layer. This layer relieves pressure spots on your body while keeping you from feeling trapped in bed. Support+ foam makes up the bottom layer of the Zoma Mattress. It keeps your spine in good shape by preventing sags, lumps, and soft places.
Given how difficult it may be to properly dispose of mattresses, you may want to consider durability when making your purchase. Some mattresses are backed by guarantees of up to 20 years. Mattresses may endure for decades with proper care, which can help to reduce your household’s overall trash impact.
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