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The Dos and Don'ts of Disposing of Your Mattress


Old mattresses are bulky, cumbersome and difficult to move, let alone get rid of. The idea of getting rid of the mattress you’ve had for 10 years can be daunting, especially if you don’t know how to safely dispose of it or where to take it once you do decide to replace it. Fortunately, this article will help walk you through the dos and don’ts of disposing of your mattress so that your next one will be as easy as possible!


Why do you need to dispose of your mattress? 

If you're anything like the average person, you've had your best mattress for about seven years. And while it's comfortable and familiar, it's also full of dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens. Plus, it's probably not as supportive as it once was. So, if you're thinking about getting a new mattress, you'll need to dispose of your old one first. 


Here are some dos and don'ts to help you do just that.


Remove any bedbugs

If you think you might have bedbugs, the first thing you need to do is remove them. You can do this by vacuuming the best mattress and surrounding areas thoroughly. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately afterwards to prevent the bugs from spreading. You should also wash all of your bedding in hot water and dry it on high heat. If you have any items that can't be washed, put them in a sealed bag and place them in the freezer for at least two days. Once you've removed the bugs, you can proceed with disposing of your mattress.


Choose between donation or recycling

If your mattress is still in good condition, you may want to consider donating it to a local charity or recycling centre. However, if your mattress is stained or damaged, it's best to dispose of it properly. Here are some tips on how to do so


Set up a time to be picked up

There are a few different ways to dispose of your mattress. You can set up a time to have it picked up, or you can drop it off at a local landfill. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even recycle it! 

However you choose to dispose of your mattress, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

  1. Always put any hazardous materials (such as mattresses with a fire retardant) into a sealed bag before disposing of them. 

  2. The bag must also be labelled with the words caution: hazardous material. When dropping your mattress off, do not attach any ropes or chains to the vehicle that is carrying it; this could potentially damage other items on the back of the truck. 

  3. Finally, make sure that the person picking up your mattress has proper identification and that you know their name before permitting them to take away your old mattress.

 


Remove the mattress

If you're planning on disposing of your mattress, the first thing you need to do is remove it from your home. This can be a tricky task, especially if the mattress is large or bulky. You may need to enlist the help of a friend or family member to get the job done. Once the mattress is out of your home, you can proceed with disposing of it properly.


Clean around the box spring before moving it

Before you do anything, you'll want to make sure the area around your box spring is clean. This way, you can avoid accidentally spreading dirt or dust when you move it. To clean around the box spring, start by vacuuming any loose debris from the floor. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides of the box spring. Be sure to let the area dry completely before moving on.


Place box springs on top of a pickup truck

If you're planning on disposing of your mattress, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

   

First, be sure to place the box springs on top of the pickup truck so they don't get damaged. 

Second, if you have a pillow top mattress, be sure to remove it before disposing of the mattress. 

Third, always cut the mattress in half so it fits in the truck more easily. 

Fourth, take the mattress to a local recycling centre or landfill. 

Fifth, be sure to call ahead to see if they accept mattresses. 

Sixth, if you're disposing of a futon or other type of frame, be sure to disassemble it first.


Secure foam into a pickup truck on a flat space

If you're disposing of your mattress, you'll need to make sure the foam is secure. The best way to do this is to lay it flat in the back of a pickup truck. You'll want to make sure the foam is tightly secured so it doesn't move around during transport. Once you have the foam in the truck, take it to your local landfill or recycling centre.


Place cardboard under the set, even if you think nothing will leak. Just do it.

It's always better to be safe than sorry, and that's especially true when it comes to disposing of your mattress. When you set your best mattress out on the curb, be sure to place cardboard or some other type of protective covering underneath it. This will help prevent any fluids from leaking out and making a mess.


Find a recycling centre 

The first step to recycling your mattress is finding a local recycling centre that will take it off your hands. You can search for mattress recycling near me online or call your city’s waste management department to find out where the nearest centre is. Once you have the location, make sure to check what days and hours they are open as well as any fees that may be associated with dropping off your mattress. Make sure you remove all bedding, pillows, linens and stuffing before bringing in your old mattress. These items can be donated or recycled through Goodwill.


Tie-down foam with rope in the truck so it doesn’t roll around Section: Be safe in your move, by taking off the tailgate, tying it down, and removing boxes from the back Section: Make sure to bring someone to help load and unload! Section: Have fun on your adventure!




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