How To Dispose Your Old Mattress In India

Wondering what to do with your old mattress? We have all been there! But disposing of it the right way matters!

In India, almost 62 million tons (MT) of waste is generated a year. Only 43 MT of waste is collected where 12 MT gets treated before disposal, and the remaining 31 MT simply goes into the landfills. And old mattresses that are disposed of incorrectly play a major role here.

But don't worry, we are here to steer you in the right direction.

Ahead, we bring you everything you must know about garbage disposal so you can easily make space for your new sleep companion while taking care of the planet. So, let's dive in!

Why Dispose Mattress Correctly?

As aforementioned, almost 31 MT of waste is directly dumped into the landfills and contributes to environmental deterioration. Just to give you an idea. If we had to do a weight comparison of 31 MT, it would be around 5.2 million adult elephants! And, old mattresses pose a threat.

Mattresses are large in size and made of mostly non-biodegradable material. So, when this ends up in the landfill, it becomes hard to manage.

Materials like foam, metal springs, and synthetic fabrics, can take years to decompose. That's not all. They leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater over time. Without proper recycling or disposal methods, mattresses not only add to the growing waste crisis and contribute to pollution. Therefore, make the right choice when it comes to your old mattress.

When Should You Dispose Your Old Mattress?

In most cases, the average lifespan of a mattress is 7 to 10 years. So, when your mattress is no longer able to fetch you the comfort and support like before or nowadays, you wake up with aches or stiffness, maybe it's time for a switch.

Some other signs that indicate it's time to bid goodbye to your old mattress include:

• Noticeable wear and tear
• Holes and severe stains
• Smelly mattress
• Sagging
• Broken springs

When Can You Sell Or Donate Your Mattress?

Remember, if your mattress is in good condition, you can sell it or donate your mattress to those in need. However, make sure it's clean, free of stains, and provides proper support.

If the mattress is less than 7 years old, with no sagging, lumps, or damage, it may still be usable for someone else.

Charities, shelters, or people in need may accept lightly used mattresses. And if you are planning to sell the mattress, be very honest about its condition and age.

That said, if the mattress is worn out, uncomfortable, or damaged, it's better to recycle or dispose of it rather than donate or sell it.

Top Ways To Dispose Your Old Mattress In India

Now, without further ado let’s unpack the best ways to dispose of your old mattress in India.

Scrap Dealers

One of the most common ways to dispose of an old mattress in India is by selling it to scrap dealers. They usually collect old mattresses for their materials like springs and cotton filling, which they recycle or repurpose.

You can find scrap dealers in local markets or through word of mouth. However, before selling, make sure your mattress is in decent condition and doesn’t pose any health risks.

This method ensures that your mattress is not directly dumped into a landfill. Today, you will also come across several organizations that offer support online. For instance, The Kabadiwala brings you a mattress recycling program where customers can get sustainably rid of old mattresses.

Hire Professionals

You can get in touch with your local municipal government. They usually offer bulk garbage collection services for a small fee. However, there are professionals who can get the job done as well.

Several waste management companies offer mattress removal, which is done and handled responsibly. These professionals know how to discard or recycle the mattress so the process takes place sustainably.

This is a convenient option if your mattress is bulky or hard to transport. A quick search on the internet can fetch you several results based on your location.

Connect With The Right NGOs

As mentioned earlier, if your mattress can still get the job done and the condition isn't bad, donation can be great.

Many NGOs in India accept old mattresses for donation, such as organizations that support the homeless and underprivileged families.

You can simply contact your local NGOs or charity organizations to check if they are in need of mattresses.

Recycle

Recycling is the best way to get rid of an old mattress. Today, you will find several recycling facilities that can help you out. They break down the components of the mattress such as foam, fabric, and metal springs, for reuse in other products.

Many cities have recycling centers or initiatives that focus on sustainable waste management. Get in touch with centers today to know more. Some of them include Let’s Recycle and Trash2Cash.

Repurpose

Finally, if you are crafty, you can DIY your way through the old mattress and turn it into something useful. For instance, if you have pets, you can turn your old mattress into a new dog bed.

And let's say, if your mattress has metal springs, they can be reused in your garden. You can turn them into trellises for climbing plants or even use them as rustic décor items for an outdoor space.

The fabric or cotton filling from the mattress can be used for smaller crafts like stuffing cushions, making quilts, or DIY upholstery projects. Let your creativity run wild here.

Get Rid Of It Yourself

If your mattress is truly beyond use and repair and you are not able to find any help, you can get rid of the mattress yourself. However, don't simply dump the whole thing out.

Here, it is important to cut through it and segregate the parts the right way. For instance, cut off the fabric and padding. If it's a cotton mattress, you have the cotton filling and the mattress fabric. Pack each material separately and then dispose of it as per the regulations.

The Final Note

Disposing your old mattress doesn't have to be a tedious chore when you plan ahead. Before you make a new purchase, see what you want to do with your old mattress as per the above options.

Remember, always think about the environment before anything else. With every right decision, we are one step closer to making the country greener and cleaner.

When it comes to a new mattress, it's equally important to make an informed choice. At The Sleep Company, our mattresses are made from sustainable materials, including natural latex from responsibly managed rubber tree plantations.

Even our innovative SmartGrid Technology is made from non-toxic materials and designed to offer a healthy sleep environment.

Say yes to a healthier slumber with The Sleep Company today!

How do you get rid of a bad mattress?

If by bad mattress you mean a mattress that's far too gone then donating or selling it is out of the question. Therefore, check with local scrap dealers or recycling organizations.

But by bad you mean a bed bug infestation, you need to follow a set of clear steps.

• Make sure you first seal the mattress well in plastic to prevent bugs from escaping.
• Contact local waste management service about their disposal policies for infested mattresses. Or check with the local municipality office.
• Do not donate or sell infested mattresses.

Can you cut up a mattress?

Yes, you can cut up a mattress but should be done carefully. Use a sharp utility knife or saw to cut through the layers, including fabric, foam, and springs. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask for protection. Properly dispose of each part afterward.

How to roll up a mattress for disposal?

To roll up a mattress for disposal, start by removing any bedding and cleaning the mattress. Use a mattress bag for protection. Then, begin rolling from one end tightly while applying pressure to push out air. Secure it with straps or duct tape.

What can you do with a ruined mattress?

With a ruined mattress, consider repurposing the materials. Use the foam for DIY cushions or pet beds, the fabric for craft projects, etc. Or get in touch with a local recycling facility to dispose of it the right way.