Yay! I’ve got my new mattress…hmmm what can I do with my old one?

You couldn’t be more excited, your new mattresses has been purchased, but what can you do with your old one?   We’ll provide some of the solutions available…

Retailers that recycle

The most common disposable method is to consider if the retailer you are purchasing from provides a disposal service of your old mattress? Furthermore, for the more eco-conscious consumer, double check if the retailer will ensure the old mattress they take from you will be recycled with a reputable recycler. Thankfully, more and more retailers are now embracing this service.

Most retailers will charge for this service where the typical average charge is £35. Considering the environmental advantage as well as the convenience, this option is ideal especially for those that want a fast and hassle-free option.

Ask your local council

Many local councils offer a bulky waste collection service and many will charge, yet some will offer this service for free and have a cap on a number of items per household, per year. If you’re environmentally conscious however, it’s worth considering checking if your particular council either recycles themselves or partners with a recycling company.  We at Pick My Old Bed are working with an ever-increasing number of councils where we plan to partner with them on recycling on their behalf.

Using the council does have its disadvantages: they may take a prolonged period of time before they can collect as well as requesting that your old mattress be left at kerbside which some may find unsightly.

Rent a skip

Hiring a skip does not ensure your mattress will be recycled as most of the waste will go to landfill. Additionally, skips hire can be very expensive even the smallest skips can be costly.

However, this solution may be ideal for those that have a lot of waste and other options are not available. A small number of skip and waste companies do recycle mattresses so do shop around and enquire if the mattress will end up at landfill or if they have a recycling facility in place.

Give your old mattress to a charity

Some that are less fortunate and can’t afford a new mattress, having one from a local charity can be the only most ideal option for them. If your mattress is in good condition this is the perfect option. However, charities do have a firm criterion in place which excludes large stains, burns, tears, bed bugs, mould, or other damage.

Additionally, all items must adhere to current fire-resistant regulations. If your mattress meets the charity’s criteria, this option will save money and time as charities can collect for free and in most cases their service is prompt, reliable and convenient.

It’s reassuring to know that someone else will enjoy many comfortable nights at a much-discounted affordable price that they otherwise may not have been able to afford.

Try it, it can be done the DIY way

If you love DIY and fancy a little project, this is perfect. Even though a small amount of pocket change can be made via the DIY route, we’d say the experience would be very useful too after all it’s not every day you get to recycle your old beloved mattress!

You’ll be amazed what if feels like when you commence the deconstruction process. You can recycle the steel springs, the bed frame, outer foam, and even the polyurethane foam.  But caution must be taken as the process would require safety precautions.

There is the option to upcycle what you have deconstructed.  The coil springs and foam can be transformed into ornaments, bottle racks, and even padding for your pet’s bed!