How to Properly Dispose of a Mattress

A good night's sleep is a wonderful thing, and a quality mattress plays a significant role in that. But what happens when your trusted mattress shows signs of wear and tear, or your comfort requirements change over time? You find yourself in the market for a new mattress, but one question remains— what about the old one? Is it as simple as bye bye mattress?

Discarding a mattress isn't as simple as throwing out the trash. In an era where conservation and sustainability are paramount, throwing out a mattress can be a daunting task. This article will provide detailed information on efficient and environmentally friendly ways of mattress disposal, fostering a cleaner, greener environment.

Recognizing the Signs: Is It Time for a New Mattress?

First things first, it's crucial to know when it's the right time to replace your mattress. The lifespan of a mattress typically ranges from 8 to 10 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of mattress you have, how well you maintain it, and the environmental conditions of your bedroom.

The most reliable indicators that you need a new mattress are the quality of your sleep and the physical condition of the mattress. If you frequently wake up with aches and pains, struggle to get comfortable, or if your mattress is showing visible signs of wear such as sagging, lumps, or noisy springs, it's probably time to consider an upgrade.

Here are some common signs that you might need a new mattress:

1. Your mattress has starts sagging. If notice the sides of the mattress start to cave in on themselves, this is a good indication of sagging. It is also indicative of structural issues that appear on mattresses past their expiry date.
2. Your mattress has rips or worn edges. While some tears can be cosmetic and easily repaired, others can cause serious damage to your mattress. If you notice many rips in your bed, it’s a good idea to start thinking of a new mattress.
3. There are broken coils in your mattress. This type of damage is the most serious kind since it can hinder not only your quality of sleep, but also your health. Broken coils can lead to a misaligned structure of a mattress. This structural damage can cause problems for your spine alignment and can become a nuisance standing in the way of a good night’s rest.
4. Your mattress has has an odor. A bad smell might sound like a small problem, for those with sensitive noses, it can lead to poor sleeping patterns.
5. Your mattress squeaks or makes noise. Much like a mattress that has bad odors, a bed that is loud each time you turn around is enough to wake anyone up. Especially if you sleep with a partner!
6. Your mattress feels more like a hammock than a bed. Similar to sagging, a mattress that caves into itself in the centre is one that needs replacing. It can cause your body to shift while you sleep and is often a big problem for people sleeping with a partner.
7. You have begun waking up with aches and pains.
8. You have difficulty falling and staying asleep. While there could be other underlying causes of insomnia, a mattress that is not doing its job can be one cause of the problem. If you used to have a great sleep and are no longer doing so, consider replacing your mattress.
9. You're able to feel your partner's movements more than usual. This is a good indication that the mattress is either losing its shape, the coils have have given out, or the general structure of the mattress is no longer being properly supported.
10. You wake up tired or with allergies.

If you observe any of these signs, it may be time to bid farewell to your old mattress.

 

Understanding the Importance of Proper Mattress Disposal

It's crucial to dispose of your mattress correctly for various reasons. First, it's a legal requirement in many provinces to dispose of furniture and mattresses appropriately. Secondly, doing so can contribute positively to the environment. By knowing how to throw out a mattress properly, you're reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills, thus reducing the environmental impact.

 

Mattress Disposal: What Are Your Options?

When throwing out a mattress, you have a few options. Each option has its own set of considerations and requirements, and the best choice for you depends on several factors such as the condition of the mattress, your location, and the available facilities near you.

It might seem like a simple task, but getting rid of a mattress can become confusing if you don’t know where to go or how to go about throwing out your old bed. If you live in a condominium or apartment building, most will have an area where large pieces of furniture can be discarded. Always make sure to check with your building prior to throwing out your mattress as there will likely be rules in place for it.  

However, if you are not in a building or if your building is not equipped to dispose of a mattress, there are other ways to get the task done.

Here are some options to consider:

 

1: Recycling Your Mattress

Recycling is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of a mattress. A staggering 80% of a mattress can be recycled, so why not make the effort?

Steps to recycle your mattress:

• Check if there are mattress recycling services near you. You can do this by conducting a Google search using your location (e.g., "mattress recycling programs in the GTA").
• You can also utilize the government websites for your specific region :

• City of Toronto (East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Toronto and York)
• Peel Region (Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga)
• Halton Region (Burlington and Towns of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville)
• York Region (Aurora, King, Richmond Hill, East Gwillimbury, Markham, Vaughan, Georgina, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville)
• Durham Region (Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge)

• Contact your local city's recycling facility or government offices in charge of trash and recycling. They might have information on mattress recycling programs.

Remember, some provinces have robust laws and recycling programs that make mattress recycling easy with free pick up or very low-cost options. However, the specifics can vary by province.

 

2: Donate Your Mattress

If your mattress is still in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity or organization. Many organizations offer free pickup, and donating your mattress could potentially make you eligible for a tax deduction.

Some charitable organizations that may accept mattress donations include:

• Salvation Army
• Habitat for Humanity
• Goodwill
• Furniture Bank

Remember to check with the organization first to see if they accept mattresses and if they offer any pick-up services.

 

3: Selling or Giving Away Your Mattress

If your bed is in good shape and neither recycling nor donating are options for you, try selling your mattress or giving it away. You can use social media channels or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji to post about your mattress.

 

4: Repurposing Your Mattress

If you're crafty, consider repurposing your mattress. This method is very eco friendly. Mattresses contain a variety of useful materials, including steel, foam, fibers, and wood, which can be used for a myriad of projects.

Ideas for repurposing your mattress:

• Recycle the parts: Sell the steel and springs to local scrap yards, and recycle cotton, wool, silk, polyester, or rayon materials. Taking a mattress apart will make it easier to recycle it.
• Home projects: Use the foam from a foam mattress and cotton for carpet padding, insulation, seat cushions, pet bedding, pillows, and more. Mattresses are made of high quality materials which can be applied in a multitude of ways around your house, thus saving you money.
• Gardening: Use wooden parts for mulch or to create a compost bin. You can also use a wooden frame of a box spring to build a garden planter.
• Arts and crafts: Use fabric, screws, and nails for various art projects. Make sure you are careful when using some mattress parts, especially if you are crafting with a child.
• Decoration: Melt down the coils and springs to create plant holders, ornaments, bird feeders, and more.

 

5: Throwing Out Your Mattress

If you've tried all the above options and still can't get rid of your mattress, the last resort is to throw it out. However, many cities and provinces have specific rules and regulations for throwing away mattresses, and doing so incorrectly can result in fines.

Once you've decided on the best method for you, it's time to prepare your mattress for disposal. Here are a few simple steps to follow:

• Check the laws in your area about mattress disposal.
• Get a mattress disposal bag.
• Find a pick-up truck or a friend who can help you transport it.
• Haul it off to your chosen destination.
• For a small fee you can call a junk removal service to handle it for you.

When throwing out your mattress, always do so responsibly and in accordance with local regulations.

 

The Bottom Line

Throwing out a mattress responsibly is not just a legal requirement in some areas, but it's also a significant step towards a more sustainable, eco-conscious lifestyle. By recycling, donating, or repurposing your old mattress, you can contribute to a greener planet and help those in need.

Remember, the goal isn't just to get rid of your old mattress, but to do so in a way that benefits you, the community, and the environment. If you are unsure if your mattress needs to be replaced, continue reading, "7 Signs You Need a Mattress Replacement". So, when you're ready to upgrade to a new mattress, keep this guide in mind and make the right choice for proper mattress disposal.

 

FAQ

Q. Does city of Toronto take old mattresses?

A. The city will pick-up is all furniture for free but it will go straight into the City's landfills.

Q. Can I donate my old mattress to a shelter or church?

A. Most shelters and churches will refuse mattress donations to protect from the potential spread of bedbugs

Q. What else can I do with my old mattress?

A. Some shipping companies will take your old mattress, and sometimes even pay for it. They use the mattresses to protect cargo that is shipped overseas.

Q. Is it safe to burn a mattress?

A. Majority of mattresses are made with toxic or dangerous components especially when burned. Therefore, burning a mattress is not a good way to get rid of it. It can contaminate the air in the area, making life risky and unpleasant. Furthermore this practice is banned in most areas and can even result in a fine.

 

TL;DR How to Properly Dispose of a Mattress

Recognizing when to replace a mattress depends on its physical condition and the quality of sleep it provides. Proper disposal of a mattress is crucial for legal and environmental reasons. Options to dispose of a mattress include: recycling, donation, selling, or giving away, (list on platforms like Facebook marketplace or Kijiji), repurposing, throwing out. Remember, improper disposal can lead to fines. Aim to dispose of mattresses in a way that benefits the environment and community.