How to dispose of your mattress

Most mattresses have a lifespan of around eight years, although exactly how long yours lasts can depend on the type of mattress you have, how frequently it’s used and whether you share your bed with a partner.

It’s worth checking the condition of your mattress every few years, particularly once it’s been with you for a while.

Signs that your mattress may be past its prime include:

• Noticeable dips or sagging

• Squeaky springs when you move

• A loss of support or comfort

• Regularly waking up feeling stiff or uncomfortable

Rotating your mattress roughly every three months can also help it wear more evenly, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

If yours is no longer providing that supportive, cosy place to rest your head, it could be time to say goodbye.

Wondering how to get rid of a mattress without simply throwing it away? There are a few routes you can take, depending on its condition and what services are available in your area.

One person’s unwanted mattress could be another person’s perfect find.

If your mattress is still in clean, good condition, selling it can be a simple way to give it a new lease of life.

You could advertise it using online marketplaces such as:

• eBay

• Gumtree

• Facebook Marketplace

• Shpock

Be clear about the mattress’s age, condition and size when creating your listing, and include photographs so potential buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Giving your mattress away can be one of the simplest options — provided it’s still in usable condition.

Ask friends, family or neighbours first, or advertise it on a local giveaway website such as Freecycle.

This can save you the hassle and potential cost of arranging disposal, while helping somebody else make use of a mattress that would otherwise go to waste.

Just make sure the mattress is clean and in good enough condition to be used by someone else.

If your mattress has reached the end of its useful life, recycling can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to throwing it away.

Most council-run recycling centres accept mattresses, although facilities and rules can vary between local authorities. Before squeezing a king-size mattress into the back of the car ,check your council’s website to make sure your local centre accepts them.

Mattresses can be broken down into their individual components so the materials can be put to another use. For example:

• Metal springs can be melted down and turned into new metal products.

• Foam can be repurposed for products such as carpet underlay.

• Filling or wadding can be reused within the fibre-blending industry, including for products such as cushions.

Not quite the end of your mattress’s story after all.

No car big enough for your mattress? You may not need to wrestle it onto the roof rack.

Some local councils offer bulky-waste collection services and can collect a mattress directly from your home.

Check your council’s website for current prices, collection dates and instructions on where to leave the mattress.

If your mattress is still in good, clean condition, donating it can be a lovely way to help it find a second home.

Some charities accept used mattresses, and certain organisations may even be able to collect larger items from your home.

• British Red Cross

• Sue Ryder

• The Salvation Army

• British Heart Foundation

Before arranging a donation, contact the charity or your local shop to check whether they currently accept mattresses.

Your mattress should generally be clean, in good condition and still have its fire safety label attached.

The cost of mattress disposal depends on the method you choose.

Giving your mattress to somebody else or taking it to a recycling centre yourself may allow you to dispose of it without paying for a dedicated collection.

On average, councils charge around £20–£40 for a collection and private companies may charge up to £70.

Because charges differ by area, it’s always worth checking the latest information from your local authority.

Some do.

Whether a charity can accept your mattress will depend on its condition and the organisation’s own requirements. The mattress should be clean, suitable for reuse and have its fire safety label attached.

Always contact the charity before donating to confirm what they accept and whether collection is available.

The best option depends on the condition of your mattress.

If it’s still clean and comfortable enough to use, selling, giving it away or donating it allows somebody else to enjoy it.

If the mattress is no longer suitable for sleeping on, recycling is a good next step. You can check whether your local recycling centre accepts mattresses or arrange a council collection if transporting it yourself isn’t practical.

In short:

• Still in good condition? Sell, donate or give it away.

• Past its best? Take it to a recycling centre.

• Can’t transport it? Check whether your council offers collection.

Yes. If you have suitable transport, you can usually take an unwanted mattress to a local recycling centre that accepts them.

Check your council’s requirements before visiting, as rules vary between recycling centres.

If your mattress can still be used, disposing of it yourself could also mean arranging for a buyer, friend or charity to collect it instead.

Mattresses can contain several different materials, including springs, foam and filling, which can be separated during specialist recycling.

However, you don’t necessarily need to dismantle your mattress yourself.

If your local recycling centre accepts whole mattresses, taking it there intact is likely to be the simplest option. The recycling facility can then handle the process of separating reusable materials.

Check your local centre’s guidance before attempting to break a mattress down at home.