Furniture
Mattresses
mattress, old mattress, bed mattress, spring mattress, foam mattress
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Sometimes — mattresses can't go in your bin. Many areas have mattress-recycling schemes; otherwise use a bulky-waste collection.
How to prepare
1. Keep the mattress clean, dry, and free of damp or stains if you're donating it. 2. Check for a mattress-recycling scheme in your area. 3. Book a recycler or bulky-waste collection. 4. Wrap it in a mattress bag to keep it clean for transport.
Common mistakes
Dumping a mattress or leaving it in the rain so it can't be recycled. Assuming disposal is free — most schemes charge a fee. Donating a stained, damaged, or infested mattress, which will be rejected.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled mattresses are broken down so the steel springs become scrap metal, the foam becomes carpet underlay, and the fabric is reused.
Drop-off guidance
Mattress recyclers separate the springs, foam, and fabric for reuse. Where no recycler operates, bulky-waste collection takes mattresses for a fee. Clean, good-condition mattresses may be accepted by reuse charities.
FAQs
Can I recycle a mattress?
Yes, where a mattress-recycling scheme operates — the springs, foam, and fabric are separated. Otherwise use a bulky-waste collection.
Where can I recycle a mattress near me?
Use the lookup above to find mattress recyclers and bulky-waste collection options near you.
Is it free to recycle a mattress?
Usually a fee applies for recycling or bulky-waste collection, though some retailers take your old mattress when delivering a new one.
Can I get paid to recycle a mattress?
No. There's no payment for old mattresses, though a clean one in good condition may be sold or donated instead.
