Saying goodbye to your old mattress isn’t something you should lose sleep over, but waking up with a sore back is no fun. There are many signs it’s time to upgrade, whether you’re waking up sore or your mattress is 8+ years old, there are proper ways to dispose of your mattress. There are many different ways to dispose of a used mattress, the best method varies depending on the condition of the mattress and where you live. Before you toss your mattress to the curb, check out this helpful guide to learn how you can properly dispose of your mattress.
Donate
If your mattress is in good condition, you should consider donating it versus dumping it. Many local charities and non-profit organizations accept gently used mattresses. Some of these places include Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army and United Way. Be sure to check each organization’s website for donation standards and guidelines or call ahead to verify if they are accepting mattress donations. You can also pass it on to another person by posting the mattress in a local giveaway group or on social media. A few popular platforms include Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, Letgo and NextDoor.
Recycle
El Paso residents can take their mattresses to one of the public drop-off locations, known as Citizen Collection Stations, within the city. To see if there are mattress recycling centers near you, conduct a web search using your zip code. You can also check other online resources, such as Earth911 and Bye Bye Mattress. If you’re not able to find one that accepts mattresses, you may be able to take the mattress apart and recycle the individual components, such as the metal box springs and wooden frame. While this isn’t the easiest option, it helps repurpose the materials while keeping your mattress out of the landfill.
Pick Up
If your mattress is not in good condition, you’ll likely have to trash it. The good news is that you may be able to skip a trip to the dump and have it picked up from your home. You should first consider free options, such as bulk waste collection from your garbage service or local municipality. Visit your city or county website to determine if the mattress qualifies for pick up and then schedule your date. If that isn’t available, you can hire a junk removal or hauling company to pick up your mattress. While this disposal option costs money, it can help you save time and effort if you’re looking to get rid of additional furniture or other bulky items.
Replace
Once you dispose of your old mattress, you’ll need a new one. Be sure to plan ahead for your purchase and take the time to consider your ideal sleep solution - after all, you’ll likely have this new mattress for another 8-10 years!
Need a hand (or pillow)? Check out our guide with some helpful questions to ask yourself before investing in a new mattress. We also have a blog that outlines the different types of mattresses and which one may be the best fit for you. If you still have questions, our mattress experts would be more than happy to help. Visit one of our 15 Mattress Firm locations in the El Paso and Las Cruces area to get the full scoop on sleep.