Here are some mattress disposal options you may want to consider right away.

Nothing beats the excitement of getting a new mattress after years of sleeping on one that has become worn, tired, and even smelly. If you've recently decided to buy a new mattress, you're probably wondering how to get rid of a mattress so that your old one doesn't end up living in the garage.  

Purchasing a new mattress is not only a luxury, but also a necessity. Sleeping on an insufficient mattress can be harmful not only to your sleep but also to your health, resulting in achy joints and sore back muscles. If you believe your mattress has reached the end of its useful life, it's time to invest in one of the best mattresses while also learning how to dispose of a mattress so you can get rid of your old one.  

'All good things must come to an end, and every mattress dies sooner or later.' According to the Sleep Council, you should consider replacing your mattress every seven to eight years,' say the sleep experts at Simba. (Opens in a new window)  

We did our homework and spoke with experts to figure out how to get rid of a mattress. Our guide covers all of the options for disposing of your mattress so you can choose the best one for you.

(Image courtesy of Dreams)

How to Get Rid of a Mattress

Now that we've established that one of the best ways to sleep better is to upgrade your sleep with a tempting mattress deal, let's take a look at how to get rid of a mattress. Even if you have the space, who wants to keep an old mattress in storage?  

There are a few environmentally friendly options for disposing of a mattress, as well as a couple that won't cost you anything. Keep in mind that the option you choose will be determined by a number of factors, so keep that in mind as you read on.

1. Council pick-up or delivery

(Photo courtesy of Simba)

The first port of call for how to get rid of a mattress is to consult with your local council, which you can find online. Different councils will provide different services for mattress disposal; some will collect it at the curb and recycle it for you, while others will direct you to your local household waste recycling center (the tip). It should be noted that not all recycling centers accept mattresses, so double-check the guidelines ahead of time to avoid wasting your time.  

Most councils do collect mattresses, but the service is often in high demand, and there is a fee to pay. Prices range from as little as £12 to as much as £50.  

'There's also no guarantee that your old mattress will be recycled if you use your local council's old mattress disposal services,' says Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay. (Opens in a new window) 'It could be one of the 8 million that end up in landfill sites across the UK.' '

Your local council's services, on the other hand, are definitely worth investigating, and you can always do some research to find out what happens to the mattresses after they've been dropped off or picked up.

2. Give it to charity

(Photo by Future PLC/Ben Anders)

'The cheapest and easiest way to recycle your mattress is to donate it to charity, as they will pick it up for free, but this is determined by the condition of your mattress,' Martin says.

Mattress collection charities, such as the British Heart Foundation, the Salvation Army, and some homeless shelters, will only accept usable mattresses. Mattresses that are stained, broken, or otherwise damaged will not be accepted, and the mattress must still bear its fire safety label, which can be found on the underside.  

However, if your mattress has a second life, you can donate it to charity and arrange for it to be collected for free from your home. You'll also sleep better knowing that your mattress won't end up in a landfill. Look online for charities in your area that offer mattress collection.

3. Offer it for sale secondhand

(Photo credit: Emma)

You might be surprised to learn that you can sell your mattress for a few quid. The caveat is that it is unlikely that someone will buy a mattress in poor condition, so this may not be the best option if your mattress is showing signs of wear.  

Mattresses are frequently listed on second-hand seller websites such as Gumtree, Preloved, and Facebook Marketplace. A good tip is to sell your old mattress for less than £5 and request collection only. As a result, the mattress will be removed from your possession with minimal fuss.  

Remember to be as honest as possible when describing the mattress's condition. If you're on the other end of the spectrum and buying a mattress, make sure you don't make these common mistakes.

4. Make use of a private recycling service.

The final option for mattress disposal is to use a private recycling service, which many brands now provide. If you know when to replace your mattress and are shopping around, look into the company's recycling service, if it exists. Many companies, such as Dreams, will pick up your old mattress when they deliver your new one.

'Nothing from our recycled mattresses ends up in a landfill,' says Fabio Perrotta, Director of Buying at Dreams. (Opens in a new window) 'Once separated from the mattress, the springs are sent to be melted down into new light iron.' The mattress is shredded, and the resulting shredded fiber is converted into fuel pellets for energy and cement production. '

That sounds preferable to a mattress ending up in a landfill. Dreams, for example, charges £40 to recycle a single size mattress, £50 to recycle a double, and £55 to recycle a king or super king.

MattressNextDay will recycle any mattress for £39, which is a very reasonable price. According to CEO Martin, "100% of the mattress is broken down into its components, which are then sent off to industries that can benefit from these raw materials." 'Steel from the springs, wool, cotton fillings, and even the cushioning material have all been given new life.' ' 

(Image courtesy of Dreams)

Simba, the maker of our five-star reviewed Simba Hybrid, will soon launch a new recycling service that requires no purchase. 'As part of Simba's zero waste commitment and sustainability goals, Simba will open its cutting-edge, not-for-profit recycling service later this month to accept any brand of mattress, no purchase necessary,' say the sleep experts at Simba. 'Simba collaborates closely with a trusted partner, the Furniture Recycling Group, to ensure that people can rest easy knowing that their old mattress will be responsibly recycled.' '

So the good news is that there are numerous options for how to dispose of a mattress in a sustainable manner. The advantages of going through a private recycling scheme through a mattress brand are that you know your old mattress is being used in some way, regardless of its condition.

How can I get rid of a mattress for free in the UK?

The condition of your mattress ultimately determines whether you can get rid of it for free. A usable mattress can be donated to charity for free, but the emphasis here is on usable; if someone else isn't willing to pay for it, a charity won't.

'If your mattress is in good condition, donating it to charity is one of the simplest ways to get rid of it,' says Fabio from Dreams. The British Heart Foundation, The Salvation Army, and Shelter are just a few of the organizations that accept them; however, check their websites for more information. '

You might be able to find free pickup of your mattress on sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Preloved, but this really depends on whether anyone is looking for one in your area.  

Can I take my old mattress to the landfill?

Check your local tip to see if they accept old mattresses. Many of them do, though some may charge a small fee because it is a bulky item.

'Deciding to take your old mattress up to your local tip can be problematic,' says MattressNextDay's Martin. 'If your car won't fit the mattress flat, you'll have to roll it and tie it up.' '

Transporting a mattress to the tip can be difficult, but it is possible depending on the size of your vehicle. Another disadvantage of taking your mattress to the landfill is that it is unlikely to be recycled. Even the oldest mattresses contain materials that can be recycled, and while recycling them does come at a cost, it's nice to know that the mattress isn't just contributing to landfill. Another advantage of using a recycling service over going to the landfill is that your mattress will be collected for you, eliminating the need to struggle with getting it into the car.