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There is no ideal time to get rid of your mattress. However, it is advisable to replace it every 10 years. This number varies depending on how well you take care of it, how often you use it, and the quality. When you buy a new mattress, it is crucial to get rid of the old one responsibly because improper mattress disposal could lead to hefty fines.
Though appropriate mattress disposal may sound simple, it can be challenging because they are bulky and most of them don’t compact well. Attempting to get rid of a mattress can be a bit of a hassle. Nevertheless, letting it rot away isn’t eco-friendly and dumping it in curbsides or alleyways is not legal either. So how do you dispose of it properly? Keep reading to find out.
How do you know when to dispose of your mattress?
There are numerous ways of knowing when your mattress needs a replacement. The most common ones are;
When its quality starts to deteriorate
According to the consensus, you should dispose of your mattress every ten years. However, some mattresses tend to last longer or shorter. For example, a hybrid innerspring-foam mattress is likely to serve you for 6 years, while a memory foam will serve you for about 15 years before needing replacement.
The best way to tell when your mattress needs replacement is to check for quality deterioration signs. These signs include; threads starting to unravel, springs getting weaker, and stains beginning to show. Once you begin to notice these signs, it is time to let your mattress go.
When You Start Getting Allergies at Night
Suppose you find yourself having a mysterious allergy that perks at night when in bed, then it is most likely a sign that you need to change your mattress. The reason for this is that in addition to a mattress being home to your body, it could be a host to mildew, mold, and dust mites. These are allergens that you may not easily smell or see. Instead of risking your life every night, get rid of your old mattress and get a new one!
Getting Back Pains
There are many causes of back pains, such as poor posture and underlying medical conditions. However, a worn out mattress is another cause that most people fail to notice. If you consistently have back pains, especially in the morning, the issue could be your mattress.
With age, a mattress tends to sag and have a depression in the middle, leading to limited movement and sleeping in one direction. This leads to a strain on your back, leading to back pains. Mattresses are designed for good spinal health, so if you are constantly having back pains due to your mattress, it means that it is time to throw it away and get a better one.
What Should You Consider Before Getting Rid of Your Mattress?
Before disposing of your mattress, it is vital to ensure that you check the following;
Mattress’s Warranty
A warranty is the time frame given by a mattress company in which they will replace it for free if it gets damaged for whatever reason. Though this number varies from one company to another, it is between 5 and 10 years. Check if your warranty covers mattress disposal. If it doesn’t cover it, dispose of the mattress yourself. But if it does, contact the company and let them replace the mattress for you.
State Policies
State policies regarding mattress disposal vary from one state to another. It is essential to research and find out your state’s guidelines to avoid illegal disposal, which could cost you a fine.
The Most Common Way To Dispose Of Your Mattress
Once you purchase a new mattress, you have to decide what to do with the old one. In many cases, a mattress retailer provides pick-up services for mattress removal. However, if they don’t, you have several options for your mattress disposal. They include;
Recycle it
According to the Mattress Recycling Council, about 80% of mattresses can be recycled. It is one of the best ways of disposing of your mattress as it is very eco-friendly. Numerous states have proactive mattress recycling services. All you need is to reach out to recyclers, and they will load up your mattress at a small fee subsidized by the local government. To ensure recycling services are available in your state, do a Google search using your zip code. After this, reach out to the nearest recycling services providers and organize your mattress to be recycled.
Donate it
Sometimes you may get a new mattress when the older one is still in good condition. In this case, the best way to dispose of the older one is to donate it to a business, thrift store, or a local charity. This method of mattress disposal is legal and is encouraged in most states. However, for your mattress to be accepted for donation, it needs to be clean and in good condition.
Resell it
If your mattress is in good shape and donating isn’t a viable option for you, try reselling it. To successfully do this, market through your network or make use of social media. Utilize marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and Offerup. All you need is to post a clear picture of your mattress and give a reasonable price. Before considering reselling your mattress, make sure that it is clean and free of bed bugs.
Repurpose it
A mattress contains numerous materials that you can use if you love DIY. These materials include memory foam, natural fibers, nails, steel, wooden parts, and screws. From these materials, you can make an item or two that you can use at your home or one that you can sell and get some money.
Hire a Mattress Disposal Expert Near You!
No matter the size, disposing of your old mattress is not simple. It involves a lot of considerations, handling, and lifting. Also, it requires you to comply with your local mattress disposal regulations to avoid unnecessary fines. Luckily, Junk King is here to help! Give us a call on 1-888-888 to learn more about our process.
Anytime you need to dispose of a large item like an old mattress, it begs the question: should you throw it away, donate it, or find a solution for recycling? And ultimately, just how do you get rid of the darn thing?