Many towns have local recycling centers that will take mattresses and box springs. These materials can be repurposed into new products such as foam for cushions or rugs, fabric for cleaning rags, metal for furniture, and more.
If you want to donate your mattress, make sure it’s structurally sound and free of pests and odors. Wrap it securely and place it on the curb before garbage pickup.
Curbside pickup is a BOPIS service that allows customers to order online and retrieve their purchases without having to enter the store. This contactless delivery option minimizes person-to-person interaction and allows customers to remain in their cars, making it easier for them to adhere to social distancing rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Major retailers have jumped on the curbside pickup bandwagon, as they believe it has the potential to become a significant customer experience differentiator in the post-pandemic retail landscape. Customers can easily check in via a mobile app upon arrival to receive their orders, and businesses can streamline the process by allowing them to add additional items to their carts once they’re checked in. This helps them keep up with their shopping lists while ensuring that they’re getting the most out of their available time in your parking lot.
Recycling
Mattress recycling is a great way to reduce landfill waste. Most cities have recycling facilities that can break down foam and wood components to be reused in new mattresses. You can check online resources or local directories for facilities in your area that specialize in mattress recycling. Some nonprofits will accept donated mattresses, but be sure to check for hygiene and bed bug concerns before donating your old one.
If your city has a curbside collection program for bulk items, you can put your mattress with regular trash. However, you will need to call 311 to schedule a pickup. You should place the mattress on the curb no earlier than 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time. It should not block the sidewalk, street, or fire hydrants and should be kept away from parked cars to prevent the spread of bed bugs. If you are unable to get a pickup, consider calling a residential junk removal service that specializes in mattress disposal.
You can also recycle your mattress by dismantling it and bringing the individual parts to recycling centers. These centers can recycle steel springs for use in new wind turbines, and foam material can be recycled into carpet padding or other products for the home or office. Wooden components can be broken down and used for mulch or scrap material in woodworking projects. Some states have programs to encourage mattress recycling through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.
If you can’t find a place to recycle your mattress, you may be able to donate it to charity or a homeless shelter. Some charities will pick up your mattress and bring it to their facility for donation, while others may have drop-off locations throughout the city.
One of the most environmentally friendly options for disposing of an old mattress is to donate it. This option will keep your old mattress out of the landfill, give it a new life, and help someone in need. However, it is important to note that not all mattresses are suitable for donation. You will need to make sure that your mattress is clean and free of stains before you try to donate it. If you have any stains, you can remove them by vacuuming the mattress and washing it with an enzyme cleaner. If the mattress has a strong odor, you can try to air it out and spot treat it with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda.
Many local charities and businesses will accept used mattresses as donations, but it is best to reach out and ask in advance. The Salvation Army and other local churches are often the first places to start. You can also check with local businesses and establishments that house people overnight on a regular basis, such as hotels. They may have relationships in place with local recycling centers that will accept your old mattress.
If you cannot find a local charity to take your mattress, you can contact the local municipal offices that are in charge of trash and recycling. Many of these organizations will have a list of charities and other organizations that are looking for donated items, including mattresses. Some of these may even offer free pickup for items that are in good condition.
Alternatively, you can try to sell your mattress online. Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be great for this. Just be sure to take clear photos of the mattress in well-lit conditions and highlight that it is free of stains, holes, and bed bugs.
If you can’t sell your mattress, you can also break it down yourself and recycle the individual parts. This can be especially useful if your local recycling center does not accept whole mattresses. The metal springs can be recycled into scrap metal, the foam can be used as carpet padding or animal bedding, and the fabric can be reused as cleaning rags.