When you get a new mattress, you will likely want to dispose of the old one that you are no longer using. Finding out the different options available to you in your location is essential so that you can dispose of it properly and legally.
The average lifespan of a mattress, no matter what type it is, is generally eight to ten years or so. This means in your lifetime, you will need a new one several times and need to dispose of the old one at the same time. Learn the six different methods that are available to you to get rid of it in the right and legal manner.
Curbside Trash Removal
Your particular curbside garbage removal company may or may not allow you to place your old worn out mattress next to your garbage can to be picked up. It’s usually in their policy for bulky item disposal for mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. You can check with your garbage pickup company and ask if they will take the mattress. They may have a designated day or days per month that you can put bulky items and out, and they will pick them up. On the other hand, they may pick up bulky items at any time when you tell them in advance for an additional small fee. Sometimes when you enlist a curbside mattress disposal it may require that you to put the mattress in a specialized mattress disposal bag, if so your garbage removal service may have them on hand for you or you can find one online to comply with the company’s wishes.
Dumpster Rental
Renting a dumpster is a great option when you want to get rid of a mattress. You need to make certain that the company you contact does accept mattresses, though. If they do accept mattresses, the best idea is to rent a small dumpster and have other items to go in it too. This will help you to do a cleanout of your unwanted items while disposing of the mattress, box springs or bed frames all at the same time for a win-win solution that isn’t costly. Most people will not rent a dumpster just to dispose of a mattress because of the cost associated with it. Make certain the dumpster rental company will accept the used bedding inside the dumpster also, as some will require items such as old tires and mattresses to be beside the dumpster for pick up, but not directly in it.
Some homeowners find it best to store the mattress in a shed or in the garage and then plan a cleanout of the entire garage or home to purge other unwanted items in the dumpster along with the mattress. Other people may find that they can rent the dumpster to dispose of the mattress and ask neighbors if they also have items to dispose of and split the cost of the dumpster between several families or neighbors to defer the total cost of the dumpster rental.
Junk Removal Service
Junk removal services are becoming more popular due to the demand to dispose of items easily and quickly. You can hire a junk removal service to pick up a lone old mattress for a fee. Each junk removal service company sets its prices for the amount of junk they pick up as well as the distance they must drive to get it and the disposal fees they incur. For just a mattress removal, you will likely just have the minimum fee as a charge, which can be $50 to $150 depending on where you live. You will want to call at least three companies to compare prices with estimates. This is a convenient service in that you call them, they come out and remove it and often it can even be done on the same day you call with no work on your end but getting estimates.
Mattress Donation
At times, people will buy a new mattress and it just really doesn’t suit them because it may be too firm, too soft or just not comfortable. In this case, where the mattress is in a nearly new shape, you may donate it. You can check with your local charitable organizations to see if they accept mattress donations. There are several that do, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, the National Furniture Bank Association and many local churches.
Give the Mattress Away
We’ve all heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This just may be the case with your older mattress. You can list it on Craigslist in the free section and someone may be more than happy to come get it and take it off your hands quickly. You can also put the mattress in a garage sale or put it out by the curb with a sign on it that says “Free.” Many times a passerby may have the need for a used mattress. You need to check with your local city or city hall to place a mattress on the curbside with a free sign though, so you don’t incur any type of fees.
How NOT to Dispose of a Mattress
Don’t dispose of a mattress by dropping it off in a forest, an empty lot, a stream or a field even if you see other debris in these areas. Don’t just leave the mattress next to any commercial dumpster at a business or apartment complex. Don’t burn the mattress or leave it on the curb without prior authorization. All of these methods of mattress disposal can cost you big in fines and even jail time if you illegally dispose of a mattress. It carries legal ramifications for deposing of items illegally, and it harms the environment to dispose of things in water, fields, or forests.
These ideas can help you to dispose of an older mattress in several different manners, for a low cost or no cost to you whatsoever.
