Guide to Proper Disposal of Your Mattress

17 Dec Guide to Proper Disposal of Your Mattress

Proper disposal of certain large items is important for everything from the environment to space-saving and more, and a mattress is a great example here. There are a few options for disposing of a mattress once it’s reached the end of its useful lifespan, each with its own sets of benefits and drawbacks, but carrying out the process properly and with the prudent attention to the right elements is important no matter which you choose.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re here to help clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, American Fork and nearby parts of Utah with all their mattress needs, including mattress delivery services where we regularly assist clients with mattress pickup and disposal needs. Here are some of the basic options for disposing your mattress, their pros and cons, and some tips on how to accomplish each one properly and without any unnecessary damage to the planet, your property or anything else. 

Recycling

The option we default to here at 2 Brothers Mattress, and typically the most robust when it comes to sustainability and environmental impact, is mattress recycling. This process involves breaking down the mattress into its individual components – typically including metal, wood and foam – and repurposing these materials for use in other products. Many local municipalities offer mattress recycling programs, and there are also specialized companies that handle this sort of thing.

Recycling your mattress not only helps divert waste from landfills, but also helps conserve natural resources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. On the downside, however, this option may not be available in all areas and can sometimes come with a higher cost than other disposal methods.

However, if it is available in your area – and again, we offer it to all our clients in Salt Lake City, Provo, American Fork and more – mattress recycling is the most environmentally friendly option for mattress disposal. In addition to the environmental benefits, recycling your mattress also allows you to support local businesses and contribute to a circular economy.

Donation

Depending on the condition of your mattress, another option is to donate it to a charity or nonprofit organization. While this may be less environmentally friendly than recycling, it does provide a way for someone in need to benefit from your used mattress.

Before donating your mattress, however, make sure that the organization accepts these types of donations and that the mattress meets their standards for cleanliness and hygiene. In some cases, they may need to examine the mattress before accepting it, so be prepared for this possibility.

Bulk Trash Pickup

If your local municipality offers this service, you can also opt to dispose of your mattress through bulk trash pickup. However, keep in mind that mattresses are often heavy and bulky, so you may need help moving it outside for collection.

Also, as with any large item disposal, be sure to check with your local municipality for any guidelines or restrictions regarding the disposal of mattresses. Some areas may require that the mattress be wrapped in plastic or placed in a specific location for pickup.

Furthermore, this should typically only be an option if recycling or donation are not available in your area, as bulk trash pickup often ends with the mattress being sent to a landfill.

Getting Creative

While the above options are the most common, there may be some creative ways to repurpose your old mattress. For example, you could use the foam as padding for a workout area or create a DIY pet bed using the materials.

If you go this route, just be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize the mattress before use. And, as always, be mindful of any local regulations or restrictions on disposing of mattresses in this manner.

Illegal Dumping

Finally, one option that simply should never be considered is illegal dumping. Not only is this harmful to the environment, but it can also result in hefty fines and penalties for those caught doing so.

Instead, take the time to properly dispose of your old mattress through one of the methods outlined above. It may take a bit more effort, but it’s well worth it for the health of our planet and communities. Remember, every little action counts when it comes to taking care of our environment. 

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re proud to offer mattress recycling services as part of our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you dispose of your old mattress in an eco-friendly way, whether you’re in SLC, Provo, American Fork or other parts of Utah.