Don’t Dump Your Old Mattress at the Landfill. Here’s How I Donated My Bed Instead
I recently got a new mattress; Midnight Spiral Deluxewhich I’ve been testing at home for a few months (full article review coming soon). This purchase meant that my boyfriend and I had to replace our old Casper Select mattress. While we were relieved to finally find a bed that worked for both of us, we still had to figure out what to do with the old mattress because we didn’t have the space to store it.
The hardest part of getting a new bed is getting rid of your old one. this is all i do Removing my old mattress And some cool people I met along the way.
My old mattress had to go
My boyfriend and I live in a smaller house, so it was hard to ignore the extra queen size mattress, leaning against our bedroom wall. The easiest and most convenient option is to leave it on the street and arrange a bulk pickup with our city. In our area, this service is free. However, I don’t want my old mattress to end up in a landfill.
My old Casper is ageless first of all – we have it just under three years old and it’s in great condition. Even though we have two dogs, we always keep a mattress protector on the bed and try to keep it as clean as possible. No tears or tears on the cover. although All foam mattress Like our worse than mixed bedwe still have many years to go. The bed can still be given to someone who needs it.
I began the relocation process with friends and family. My boyfriend and I sent text messages to our loved ones in the area to see if anyone was looking for a new mattress. I also researched Facebook marketplaces and local groups for buying and selling items. Unfortunately we were unlucky and stuck with Casper for a while.
After exhausting my options, I looked for somewhere to ride. A simple Google search told me that Goodwill in my area doesn’t accept used mattresses, and the thought of putting the bed in my car to drop it off was a different beast. Further research led me to a local organization that accepts furniture and mattress donations – even better, it will be picked up from your home.
Local non-profit organization that uses mattresses gently
child’s bed is a nonprofit organization located in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was familiar with it before starting my research as it works with many local businesses. The organization’s philanthropy is simple: it aims to provide beds and essential furniture to families in need.
This nonprofit accepts various furniture donations of box springs, cribs, dressers, small tables, new sheets, new pillows, new mattress protectors, new blankets and comforters, and of course, mattresses. “In 2023, we received 3,900 donated mattresses,” Zach Smith, the nonprofit’s director of operations, told CNET. “That’s nearly 4,000 beds from landfills and families who need them.”
In addition to donations from locals, the crib has also received donated mattresses from major companies and universities. For example, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte donated used dormitories. “(The university) replaces them every five years or so. We like these mattresses because they are a durable fabric that is waterproof and bed bug resistant,” Smith said.
Children’s beds also come with Ashley Homestore through its licensee Broad River Retail. Smith said, “Broad River has been our partner since the beginning. They donate new mattresses, but they also encourage people purchasing new beds and furniture to donate their old items to us if the condition meets our standards. This partnership plays an important role in how we serve and allows us to continue to receive the inventory we need to serve families in our community. “
How your bed is given to a family in need
My donation process to sleeping with my kids was seamless. After submitting an inquiry on the website, I was contacted by Inventory Manager Will LineBerry. I then sent a few photos of the mattress to make sure it was in good condition. We arranged a pickup time and two team members took the bed from my home to their truck. There is a $30 tax-deductible fee for pickup, but free donations are free.
Since these donated mattresses go directly to the people who need them, there are a few requirements that need to be met. “We ask that (the mattress used) be less than eight years old and have no tears, tears or stains. The brand doesn’t matter,” Smith said. Keep in mind that these requirements are specific to that local organization. An organization that accepts mattresses near you may have stricter or looser guidelines.
Once your hand is out, the bed goes through an inspection and cleaning process. “After we receive donated mattresses, we send them to a place called Carolina Dry Huth to be disinfected to make sure they are clean and free of bed bugs.” Any used mattresses, bed bugs Always the main question.
In 2023, 1,002 children’s beds were created for families in the area. With the help of 2,783 volunteers, they served 3,948 people in need. “We are passionate that we are creating a space where furniture companies, universities and individuals can donate mattresses sustainably,” Smith concluded.
Other options for getting rid of your old bed
If you can’t find a local charity to donate to or can’t ship your donation to a place that accepts used mattresses, you have some options in your area:
- Bulk pick up and drop off: If this service is available, you can drop off a mattress on the street and schedule a time for your city to pick it up.
- goodwill or human habitat: Some Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity accept mattress donations. Check your local website.
- supply: This veteran-founded and owned organization picks up furniture for any situation.
- friends or family: Reach out to friends and family to see if they need a mattress.
- mattress brand: When you buy a new mattress, some mattress brands will pick up your old mattress.
- local buying and selling group: Try selling or giving away your gently used mattress on Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle Network, NextDoor, or Craigslist.
- Recycling services: a world of beds is a nationwide mattress recycling and disposal service that picks up your bed from home.
- local shelter: Some homeless shelters may donate mattresses.
- Upcycling and DIY Crafts: Stuff your pet’s bed with extra foam, use coils as wine racks, or create wooden crates with foundation-tilted wooden crates.
Most importantly, try to keep mattresses out of landfills. I know that’s not possible with every mattress: some are too old, or torn, to be given to someone new. However, according to Mattress Recycling Councilover 75% of mattresses are recyclable. This includes materials such as foam, steel rings, some fibers, and sometimes wood. There are places in your area that may recycle old beds or accept donations.
I was lucky enough to find an organization that not only made the donation process easy, but also made me feel good about where my old bed was going.
