In many parts of the country, fly-tipping is a problem. It’s not uncommon to drive past a layby or plot of land with a mattress and other large objects dumped there.
Lots of mattresses end up in landfill when they’re picked up by local councils, when in reality they could be recycled or cleaned and reused.
So if you’re getting a new mattress and need to get rid of your old one, follow our tips to ensure you dispose of it responsibly.
Check the condition
Before you go to chuck your mattress out, check to see what it looks like. Is it badly stained and damaged or does it just need a vacuum and a wipe down? This will help you determine what you can do with it.
If your mattress is in good condition…
Why not donate it or pass it to a friend or family member? There is no point throwing away good quality products that could still be used.
If you don’t know anyone that could use a new mattress, you could donate it to a charity for the homeless, victims of domestic violence or refugees. Do some online research to find charities close to you.
If it’s in bad condition…
You should recycle it. Did you know that mattresses often contain harmful chemicals? If you simply take your mattress to landfill the chemicals could leak into groundwater and harm the wider environment.
So how are mattresses recycled?
- Cotton: used for industrial machinery oil filters
- Foam: turned into carpet underlay
- Wooden frames: chipped and used as fuel
- Fabric ticking: used for archery targets
- Steel wire: this can be recycled many times into lots of different things
There are so many possibilities for your old mattress. Just investigate into how you can dispose of it responsibly in your area. Fill in our form and we’ll find you up to 4 waste removal companies who will give you a quote.