Don’t throw your old mattress into a landfill. Here’s how I donated my bed instead

I recently got a new mattress, Midnight Helix Luxwhich I’ve been testing at home for a few months now (full article review coming soon). This purchase meant that my friend and I had to swap out their old Casper Select mattress. While we were relieved to find a bed that worked for both of us, we still had to figure out what to do with our old mattress, since we didn’t have the space to store it.

The hardest part about getting a new bed is getting rid of the old one. That’s all I did Take out my old mattress And how I met some amazing people 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-sized mattress leaning against our bedroom wall. The easiest and most convenient option would have been to leave it on the street and schedule a large pickup with our city. In our region, this service is free. However, I didn’t want an old mattress to end up in a landfill.

My old Casper was, first of all, not that old — we had it for less than three years and it was in good shape. Even though we have two dogs, we always kept a mattress protector on the bed and tried to keep it as clean as possible. There were no tears or rips in the cover. while Mattresses all movies Our ideals are deteriorating faster than ours Hybrid familyWe had a lot of years left in it. The bed could still go to someone who needs it.

I started the removal process with friends and family. My friend and I sent texts to loved ones nearby to see if anyone was looking for a new mattress. I also looked at Facebook Marketplace and local groups that bought and sold items. Unfortunately, we were unlucky and stuck with Casper for a little while.

After exhausting easier options, I searched for places we could take him. Simple Google searches told me that the Goodwill in my area doesn’t accept used mattresses, and the thought of fitting the bed into my car to drop it off somewhere was another beast. More research brought me to a local organization that accepts donations of furniture and mattresses — and better yet, will pick them up from your home.

Local gently used mattress non-profits

Beds for children It is a non-profit organization located in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was aware of this before starting my research as it relates to several local businesses. The organization’s charitable work is simple: it aims to provide beds and basic furniture to families in need.

This non-profit accepts many furniture donations from box springs, beds, dressers, small tables, new bed linens, new pillows, new mattress protectors, new blankets and quilts, 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 off the landfill and into the homes of families who need them.

In addition to donations from local residents, Cribs also receives donor mattresses from major companies and universities. For example, the University of North Carolina Charlotte donates used dorm beds. “(Universities) change them every five years or so,” Smith said. “We like these mattresses because they are a durable fabric that is waterproof and resistant to bugs.”

Cots also partners with Ashley HomeStore Through its licensee, Broad River Retail. Smith said, “Broad River has been a partner of ours since our inception. They donate new mattresses, but also encourage people who purchase new beds and furniture to donate their old ones if the condition meets our standards. This partnership is instrumental in how we serve and allows us to continue receiving the inventory we need to serve families in our community. “

How your bed goes to a family in need

My pediatric sleep donation process was smooth. After submitting an inquiry on the website, I was contacted by their inventory manager, Will LineBerry. I then sent some pictures of the mattress to make sure it was in good condition. We scheduled a pickup time, then two team members carried the bed out of my house and into their truck. Pick-up requires a tax-deductible fee of $30, but drop-off donations are free.

Since these donated mattresses go directly to someone who needs them, the bed needs to meet some requirements. “We require (used mattresses) to be less than eight years old with no rips, tears or stains. The brand doesn’t matter,” Smith said. Keep in mind that these requirements are specific to this local organization. An organization that accepts mattresses near you may have stricter or more flexible guidelines.

Once out of your hands, the bed then goes through an inspection and cleaning process. “After we receive the donated mattresses, we send them to be disinfected at a place called Carolina Dry Heat to ensure they are clean and free of bed bugs.” With any used mattresses, bedbug It is always the main concern.

In 2023, Cribs recorded 1,002 deliveries to families in the region. With the help of 2,783 volunteers, they served 3,948 people in need. “We feel passionately that we are creating a space where furniture companies, colleges and individuals can sustainably donate their mattresses,” 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 take your donation to a place that accepts old mattresses, here are some options that may be in your area:

• Wholesale pickup: If this service is offered, you can leave a mattress on your street and schedule a time for your city to arrive.
• Goodwill or Habitats for Humanity: Some Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity accept mattress donations. Check your local websites.
• Resupply: This veteran-owned and established organization picks up furniture in any condition.
• Friends or family members: Reach out to friends and family to see if they need a mattress.
• Mattress brands: Some mattress brands will pick up an old mattress when you purchase a new one.
• Local buying and selling groups: Try selling or giving away your gently used mattress on Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle Network, Nextdoor, or Craigslist.
• Recycling services: Brader’s world is a nationwide mattress recycling service that picks up your bed from your home.
• Local shelters: Some homeless shelters may take mattress donations.
• upcycling and DIY crafts: Line your pet’s bed with extra foam, use files as wine racks or create a wooden box from foundation mortar.

Bottom line, try to keep your mattress out of the landfill. I know this isn’t possible for every mattress: some are too old or torn to be given to someone new. But, according to Mattress Recycling CouncilMore than 75% of the mattress is recyclable. This includes materials such as foam, steel coils, some fibers, and sometimes wood. Chances are there are places in your area that either recycle old beds or accept donations.

I’m lucky to have found an organization that not only made the donation process easy, but left me feeling good about where my old bed was going.