How Do I Get Rid An Old Mattress

According to The Sleep Foundation, it's recommended to replace your mattress every 6 to 8 years. So, you've finally taken the plunge and invested in a new, state-of-the-art mattress! As the delivery date approaches, it's time to start preparing your bedroom for the arrival of your dream-worthy mattress. But, what do you do with your old mattress? 

In this article, we'll explore the best ways to safely and effectively get rid of your old sleeping partner. From folding it for easy removal to arranging for expert kerbside collection or donating it to mattress recycling programs, we've got you covered. 

Follow our safety tips to avoid injury and make the process as smooth as possible. So, let's start at the beginning and discover how to effortlessly remove your old mattress from your bedroom, including negotiating any tricky stairs.

Moving The Mattress

So for anyone who has tried to move a mattress on their own, you will understand that mattresses can be tricky, to steer around confined areas such as bedrooms and stairwells. But with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily and safely. Here are some steps to follow when removing an old mattress:

1. Gather Your Tools 

Gather the necessary tools: To move your mattress, you'll need a few basic tools such as a mattress bag, furniture dolly, or straps. These tools will make it easier to move and transport your mattress.

Helpful equipment to get rid of a mattress:

●      Straps or rope

●      Tape

●      Scissors

●      Bubble wrap

●      Mattress bag or cover

●      Dolly or cart

●      Moving blankets

1. Fold The Mattress

Folding a mattress is one of the best ways to safely get rid of your mattress from your bedroom and out of your home. It’s the easiest option for anyone getting rid of a mattress on your own or even if you have some help. Folding it will reduce the area of the mattress and make it less likely to flip and flop around your home. 

For folding to work it’s important to remember that it will work most successfully if your mattress is an ‘all-foam type. It will also only work if it is thin to medium in size without coils. Size approx 8 to 12 inches in width) 

How To Fold Up Your Mattress

• Bend it width-wise, not height-wise
• Keep the side of the mattress that you sleep on facing inside, so it doesn’t get dirty
• Make sure the top and bottom of the mattress base are touching
• Once folded, reinforce it with straps or ratchet tie-downs, so it doesn’t open

“For folding to work it’s important to remember that it will work most successfully if your mattress is an ‘all-foam type.” 

     2. Move mattresses in pairs where possible 

We recommend that it’s better to handle a mattress ( especially if it’s a larger king size) in pairs at least, if not as many hands as you can get! You can hire professional mattress movers, but obviously, this is a costly process, especially if it’s just the mattress you need assistance with. 

But if you do find yourself alone and needing to get rid of your mattress if you are in the Bay or surrounding areas of California, read on to find out our top tips. 

     3. Cover the mattress 

If you are selling or gifting your mattress, you will need to protect it while moving it. Although it goes without saying, make sure you take all your sheets, pillows, topper, etc., off your bed. Once you’ve done that, so you can protect the mattresses and stop them from picking up dirt and debris from stairwells and the street, use a mattress cover. This can be a mattress bag or simply plastic or bubble wrap. 

How to cover a mattress:

• Lean mattress against the wall: If you’re using a mattress bag, lean your mattress against the wall, with the long side standing up. Starting at the top of the mattress, gently slide the bag over the length of the mattress. 
• Drop the mattress to the floor and tape it shut
• For extra protection wrap with tape to keep the bag from slipping off.
  
  

If your mattress is being taken away by expert mattress  removers in the Bay Area of California or beyond! This step won’t be necessary. 

How To Avoid Injury When Getting Rid Of A Mattress 

It’s important to make sure you get rid of your mattress without any undue injuries, whether moving alone or having some help. According to The US Library of medicine, this is the best way. 

• Don’t use your back: Never use your back if you want to get rid of your mattress
• Squat down: Bend your hips and knees to squat down, pick up the mattress while keeping it as close to the body as possible, and then straighten your legs to lift.
• Avoid lifting above shoulders: Never lift anything heavy above shoulder level, and avoid twisting or turning your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.

How to Dispose of a Mattress

Once you've removed the mattress from the room, it's time to dispose of it. Fortunately, there are so many options available for you when it comes to mattress disposal.  You can contact your local waste management service to schedule a pickup, or you can drop it off at a landfill or recycling center. Here’s an in-depth look at all the options available: 

Option 1: Kerbside Pick Up

As we’ve discovered mattresses can be quite troublesome to move from your home, this can also extend to physically removing to a recycling center for example. It’s good to know that for around $50, many expert local mattress companies will arrange to collect your old mattress from your home. 

Everyone these days seems to have so much to fit into busy schedules, so it can be a real lifesaver to arrange a super easy collection from right outside your door! 

So by following the steps above of how to remove your mattress from bedrooms and other sleeping areas, you simply schedule a time and it gets taken away by a reliable and expert mattress removal company. 

Many of the best mattress removal companies in the Bay Area of California offer residential curbside pickup with three easy steps. 

1. Book online
2. Put your mattress/box spring outside of your home using our easy tips 
3. Safely removed by experts 

This way you know you are helping the environment as your mattress will be repurposed, along with no annoying interruptions to your already busy day! 

Follow the 5 easy steps below for Bay Area mattress removers to get rid of any old or unwanted mattress. 

1. Select the number of mattresses for collection
2. Schedule a convenient time
3. Pay simply and securely online
4. Put your mattress or box spring outside the night before your pickup day
5. Our reliable mattress experts will collect on the day and time of your booking 

New California Law RequiresRetailers to Offer Pick-Up of Used Mattresses: How You Can Make Sure You're in Compliance in the Bay Area

As of January 1, 2021, California law, SB 254 will be amended to state, any online mattress retailers delivering a mattress within California must offer a pick-up of their client’s used mattress within 30 days. If your client is located in the Bay Area, you can choose expert mattress removal companies to be your dedicated pickup service team. 

Option 2: Donation

Donating a mattress can be a great way to give it a second life and help those in need. Here are a few things to consider when donating a mattress:

1. Mattress condition: Most organizations that accept mattress donations require that the mattress is in good condition, free of stains, tears, and bed bugs. Make sure the mattress is clean and in good shape before attempting to donate it.
   
2. Research organizations that accept mattress donations: Not all organizations accept mattresses, so it's important to research which ones in your area do. Some examples of organizations that may accept mattress donations include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and local homeless shelters.
3. Check for pickup service: Many organizations and local charities that accept mattress donations offer pickup service, but some may require you to drop off the mattress at their location. Be sure to check with the organization before making a donation.
4. Mattress recycling: Some organizations also offer recycling programs for mattresses, instead of taking them to the landfill, they will recycle the mattress.

Option 3: Reselling 

When it's time to dispose of a mattress that’s still in good condition, you can simply resell it. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are great places to list your old mattress for sale. Make sure to take clear, detailed photos of the mattress and include information about its age, condition, and any notable features.

Some consignment shops also specialize in reselling gently used furniture, including mattresses. You can bring your mattress to the shop, and they will sell it on your behalf.

There are even thrift stores that may be open to purchasing your mattresses.

The Commercial Mattress Experts!

The Mattress Guy provides bulk pick-up services for businesses such as storefront mattress retailers, hotels, hospitals, apartment complexes, and online retailers. Let us recycle your used mattresses and box springs with our bulk pickup service option.

And finally… 

So that’s it in the bag — the best ways to get rid of your old redundant mattress and more importantly how to get rid of it! Don’t just throw it out like regular trash. Check out our tips above to see what options suit you best. 

Here at The Mattress Guy, we are experts in mattress removal. You can rest assured you will be doing your bit for the planet, alongside receiving the best and reliable way of getting rid of your unwanted mattresses! 

Speak to one of our expert team (415) 577-3668 or email us anytime.