7 effective ways to dispose of a mattress

Mattresses are bulky items that can be difficult to dispose of once they are no longer usable or needed.

One option is to give away or sell your unwanted mattress, but consider its condition and whether someone else can use it. If your old mattress is uncomfortable or affecting your sleep, it will unlikely benefit someone else. There are also hygiene factors to consider, since mattresses absorb dead skin and moisture.

Another option is to use a disposal service. However, what happens to your old mattress after collection is often unclear. Most old mattresses end up in landfills, and some may even be refurbished and resold illegally.

Considering the various disposal methods ensures you dispose of your mattress responsibly, reducing its impact on others and the environment.

How to dispose of a mattress

There are several ways to dispose of a worn-out or unwanted mattress. Whether you donate, recycle or use a collection service, assessing the pros and cons of each method will ensure you dispose of your mattress safely, conveniently and responsibly.

1. Retailer mattress disposal service

Many retailers offer a mattress disposal service where they will remove your old mattress when delivering the new one. Some retailers offer this service free, while others charge a small fee.

This service is a convenient way to dispose of your old mattress, as you typically won’t need to arrange a separate collection. If you’ve purchased a new mattress and bed base together, some retailers may also remove your old base at the same time, though they might require you to dismantle it before delivery.

Retailers typically ask you to wrap and seal your old mattress in a plastic bag (usually provided) for hygiene reasons before delivery. You generally don’t need to cover the bed base unless it’s heavily soiled.

The delivery team should collect the mattress from your bedroom. However, it’s best to double-check with the retailer when ordering, as some retailers only offer doorstep collection, which may require you to move the mattress yourself.

It’s worth checking the retailer to see what happens to your old mattress. Unfortunately, most end up in landfills. However, some retailers partner with charities, care homes or hospitals. Other retailers offer recycling services, where components like springs, foam, and coverings are reused.

2. Donating your old mattress to charities

If your mattress is in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity. Many charities sell donated mattresses to raise vital funds and help those in need. Donating also helps keep your old mattress out of landfills. 

Most charities will accept your mattress if it is clean, usable, and has a valid fire safety label. Each charity has its own criteria for accepting mattresses, but they typically include the following:

Sellable condition

The mattress you donate must be in a sellable and unusable condition. It should have no structural defects like broken springs, rips, tears, or permanent sagging. While turning the mattress can help to even out the wear, an uneven surface may be unsuitable for sleeping. The mattress must also be free of infestations, including bed bugs, fleas, and other insects.

The mattress you donate should be free of stains, dirt, debris, discolouration, and odours. If it has minor stains and is in relatively good condition, spot cleaning may help. You can also sprinkle baking soda evenly across the mattress to eliminate lingering odours and vacuum or brush the surface to remove fluff, dirt, and debris.

Some charities may request images of your unwanted mattress to confirm its condition before accepting it.

Valid fire safety label

The mattress must have a valid and intact fire safety label. This label is typically sewn into the mattress. It confirms that it meets British Fire Safety Regulations and is safe to use.

Easily accessible for collection

If the charity offers free collection, they may ask you to wrap your mattress in a plastic bag for hygiene reasons. Most provide doorstep collection, so ensure your mattress is easily accessible, near the front door, and available when required.

Charities that accept mattress donations

Always check with the charity beforehand to confirm they can take your unwanted mattress and have space available.

Here is a list of charities that accept mattress donations:

• Age UK.
• British Heart Foundation.
• British Red Cross.
• Cancer Research UK.
• Emmaus.
• Oxfam.
• Salvation Army.
• Sue Ryder.

3. List your old mattress on reuse websites

Instead of throwing away your old mattress, consider listing it on giveaway platforms like Freecycle and Freegle. These platforms connect you with people in your local area, allowing you to pass your mattress on for free while keeping it out of landfills.

4. Local council collection services

Most councils offer collection services for large items like beds and mattresses. There is usually a small charge for using this service, ranging from £10 to £80 depending on the local council and the number of items to collect.

For health and safety reasons, you may need to leave your mattress outside at the front of your property for collection. Some local councils may refuse to collect mattresses that are wet or soiled.

Local council services are a popular option for mattress disposal, but what happens to unwanted mattresses after collection is often unclear. Research from the National Bed Federation reveals significant variations in disposal methods, with many councils still relying on landfill sites. 

If you live in England or Wales, visit GOV.UK to arrange a collection of your old mattress.

5. Recycling your old mattress

Recycling your mattress is one of the most effective disposal methods, as it repurposes the mattress and prevents it from ending up in a landfill.

You can take your old mattress to your nearest household recycling centre, which is usually open seven days a week from 8 am to 6 pm. To avoid long wait times, visit during quieter periods, such as weekdays, or arrive early on weekends.

There are no restrictions when visiting the site in a car. However, you may require an entry permit for a large trailer, van, or commercial vehicle. Check your local council’s website for further information.

Visit Mattress Disposal to find your nearest mattress recycling centre.  

6. Mattress disposal companies

Another option for disposing of your mattress is to use a local mattress collection company. They tend to be more flexible on collection dates and times and typically ensure a faster turnaround for pickups than other providers. Collection charges usually vary depending on your location and mattress size.

You can also use an online platform like Lovejunk to create a listing and compare prices and reviews of local mattress collectors.

7. Sell your mattress online

You can sell your mattress on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay. When creating your advert, provide accurate details about the mattress, include high-quality original photos and set a fair price that reflects its quality and condition.

Since mattresses are heavy and difficult to move, you may prefer the buyer to collect from your home. If this is the case, ensure you’re comfortable with someone visiting your property.

Alternatively, if you agree to deliver the mattress, set an accurate delivery charge to avoid being out of pocket.

Be vigilant and take preventive measures to protect yourself against fraud, such as ensuring payment is processed through the platform before collection or delivery and safeguarding against any delivery issues.

What to avoid when disposing of an old mattress

When disposing of an unwanted mattress, you should avoid dumping or burning it. These methods are unsafe and harmful to others and the environment.

Fly tipping

Never dump your mattress on public land or in water. This is known as fly-tipping and is an illegal practice that could land you a hefty fine.

Mattresses are non-biodegradable; if dumped, they could remain on public land for some time, until someone disposes of them responsibly. Abandoned mattresses are unsafe, particularly if they have loose components or fall. They also harm the environment and cost councils millions of pounds each year to clean up.

Burning your unwanted mattress

Never burn an unwanted mattress. Doing so is illegal, unsafe, and harmful to others. It also pollutes the environment, and the leftover residue can contaminate soil and water, resulting in long-term damage.

Final thoughts

Disposing of an old mattress requires planning to ensure you choose the right option. Whether you donate, recycle, or throw it away, consider the environmental impact and ensure you dispose of it responsibly.

Finally, taking care of your mattress can extend its life, resulting in less waste and fewer replacements, which is better for the environment and your wallet.