How To Dispose Of A Mattress In NYC? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

We’ve broken down the process of getting rid of a mattress in New York City into two simple stages. You, as a New Yorker, have a responsibility to know the right mattress disposal in New York City because different states have different norms and legislation about this. We’ll also talk about NYC’s scheduling so that nothing goes wrong for you.

No, I have no idea how to get rid of a mattress. You don’t have to worry about your bed becoming a problem for you and your neighbors in the event of a canceled appointment because we’ve provided some helpful advice below. To save you time, we’ve put up this handy mattress disposal instructions for New Yorkers.

How Do I Know if I’m Ready For A New Mattress?

First and foremost, how do you know when it’s time to get a new mattress?

Mattresses should be replaced on average every eight years, according to popular consensus.

However, some mattresses have a higher life expectancy than others. When compared to the lifespan of a conventional innerspring mattress (and even longer if it is double-sided), the average lifespan of a hybrid innerspring-foam mattress is 6 years. Memory foam and latex mattresses, on the other hand, have a lifespan of up to 15 years when properly cared for.

Individual mattresses can last less or more time than the average lifespan for their mattress type, and these data merely represent averages. There are several variables that affect how long a mattress lasts, such as the design of the mattress, its materials, how well you care for it, and the environment in which it is used.

The best method to know if your mattress needs to be replaced is by how it feels and how well you sleep on it. Does your mattress still provide the same level of support and comfort?

A new mattress may also be required as a result of other life changes. As an example, if you move in with a significant other or bring a large, medium-sized animal into the mix (such as a dog), an older mattress may not be able to support you as well as it used to.

With your new mattress in hand, there is one final hurdle that must be overcome: what do you do with your old mattress when you are done with it?

Donating Your Mattress

Many people choose to donate mattresses rather than throw them away. This is a great opportunity to do something meaningful for people in need, while also making space for your new mattress.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that not all mattresses are suitable for donation.

Many people acquire a new mattress for various reasons, however some mattresses are thrown away because they are worn out or no longer functional. Donating these mattresses is not an option.

There has been an increase in criteria for mattress giving at charities and shelters as a result of the rise in high-quality beds and regulatory and sanitation concerns. Bringing in a subpar mattress is not only impolite, but it will also waste the time of the hardworking staff and volunteers at these organizations, who are doing their best to accommodate you.

So How Do You Know If Your Mattress is in Good Enough Shape to be Donated?

A mattress donated to a charity, organization, or shelter must meet its own set of criteria before it is accepted by the organization or shelter. There are, however, a few established rules:

• Don’t donate mattresses with infestations of any type, especially bed bugs and mildew, even if this should go without saying. Even if you have cleansed your mattress on the surface after detecting bed bugs, mold, or other living forms in your mattress, these infestations are frequently deeply buried in the mattress itself. If you’re getting rid of a mattress because of an infestation, consider it unfit for donation.
• When a mattress has structural flaws like bent or broken springs or a sagging cover, it may be useless. There are a lot of things that you’ll notice the next time you sleep on your mattress. A mattress may be inappropriate for resale if it suffers from structural issues, such as excessive sagging, irregular bunching, and huge, permanent indentations.
• There should be no holes, tears, or rips in a mattress before it may be given to a charity. Seams that have come undone, as well as huge and little gashes, are included (like those from a dog bite or claw, or a cigarette burn). Before donating, ensure certain the mattress cover is securely fastened.
  1. Even though it seems counterintuitive, cleaning the top and sides of a mattress can help remove pet hair and dander, human skin particles, and other particles of the human environment (as well as any other crumbs and bits that have found their way onto your mattress). Even if you don’t have a hand-held vacuum, a conventional vacuum will work just fine.
  2. It’s possible to clean a mattress that has one or more tiny stains by spot cleaning. This can be done in a variety of ways. Enzyme cleaners, which are non-toxic, can be used to break down the stain. Hydrogen peroxide, liquid dish soap, and baking soda can be used as a DIY solution if you want. Apply the mixture to the stains and then blot dry with a wet and dry clean rag. Afterwards, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Lemon juice and salt can also be used as a stain remover if the mixture is thick enough to apply to the stain. Allow it to sit for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the stain, before wiping it away with a clean rag.

Despite the fact that some people are “noseblind” to aromas in their own homes, you should be able to detect a particularly strong stink coming from a mattress. Get a third party to sniff it out for you when you’re not sure what’s going on. You might try dusting a coating of baking soda over the mattress and letting it sit for a few hours if you notice an odor. Remove the baking soda with a vacuum, and then let the mattress air out if weather permits. Consider donating the mattress again if the stink persists.

In general, it’s a matter of common sense to determine if your mattress is suitable for donation.

If the mattress is soiled or has any odors, it should be replaced. If the mattress is unable to be used, it serves no use. Consider whether or not you wish to accept a donation of your mattress. If not, you may want to explore other choices.

If you think your bed is in excellent enough condition to donate, that’s fantastic! You can now begin the process of deciding where to donate.

Larger Organizations

National or multinational, these organizations have locations in North America and around the world.

1. It is a network of community-based non-profits that sell donated goods in thrift shops. Goodwill: People who have been laid off, have disabilities, or have only had a few jobs in their past might use the proceeds of these sales to pay for their own education, training, and job placement. Participants in Goodwill community activities frequently receive Goodwill store coupons as part of the program’s rewards system as well. 162 Goodwill locations exist in the United States and Canada, and each store has its unique policy on what they accept and whether or not they allow home pickup. Mattresses in good condition can be accepted at some sites, while others are not. Whether you’d want to donate a mattress, check with your local Goodwill to see if they accept it.
2. Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing decent, affordable, and long-term homes to those in need all over the world. To raise funds for Habitat building and housing initiatives, they operate a chain of ReStores like Goodwill. When it comes to accepting items and whether they can be picked up at home, ReStores differ from Goodwill in this regard, especially when it comes to mattresses. For more information on how to donate, speak with a representative at your local ReStore.
3. Underserved communities and those struggling to make ends meet can turn to the Furniture Bank Association (FBA), a network of furniture banks that offers free or heavily discounted furnishings to those in need. There are more than 80 furniture banks in the United States, and most of them accept mattresses in good condition (ie, no structural problems, bed bugs, tears, or stains). If you live within 20 miles of one of their furniture banks, they will come and pick up your acceptable-grade mattress. However, certain furniture banks locations may drive further. Make sure to call ahead if you plan on transporting the mattress to a furniture bank site and it is in acceptable condition. Furniture Banks Across America has a sister organization that performs a similar service.
4. More specifically, Catholic Charities works with children, refugees, individuals without homes, persons with disabilities and lower-income people in the United States. People of all faiths are welcome to participate in their programs. As a result, they are constantly in need of beds in good donating condition for their many residential housing programs and shelters (especially twin and full beds). Look at their website to see if there are nearby organizations that may use a mattress. They may possibly be able to pick you up.

Local Donations

The local level may be a better starting point than the national or international ones. For both regulatory and storage-space concerns, larger firms tend to have stricter mattress rules. If you have a mattress that you no longer use and would like to donate it to a local charity, there are various methods to do so.

Donationtown.org is a great place to start if you’re not familiar with your local aid scene and need help finding a good home for your old mattress. When looking to donate your mattress, Donation Town is an excellent internet resource. It’s a completely free, searchable database of local organizations that may accept the mattress, along with specifics like whether or not they offer donation pick-up services. Check out Donation Town’s database to see which charities can benefit from your old mattress donation.

Alternatively, you may like to make a donation to a nearby shelter. To find local homeless shelters, just do a fast Google search. This will offer you information on both general population shelters and shelters that specialize in helping women, children (and other vulnerable populations) in particular. United Way has a comprehensive directory of homeless shelters that may be searched. You can find out if a shelter is interested in your mattress by visiting their website or calling them.

Give It Away

The alternative is to give your mattress given to the person who needs it most directly if you can’t locate a suitable organization or charity to donate it to.

Start by posting on social media and reaching out to friends, relatives and acquaintances in your network to see if they have any leads. You never know who might be in need of a bed or who might have a spare one.

Use localized social media networks like Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor and Freecycle to market your mattress. You may also use any ListServe email lists you may be on. Make sure to make it obvious that the mattress is completely free, as well as the specific dimensions and condition of the mattress (so that you don’t waste both your time and the prospective new mattress owners’ time if it’s not the appropriate fit). If possible, include measurements and images.

Place flyers at local schools, coffee shops, community centers, or universities if applicable. Specify the mattress’s size, state, and dimensions once more.

Recycling Your Mattress

A mattress that is no longer suitable for use can be recycled if you can’t locate an appropriate place to donate it. Mattresses use up to 40 cubic feet of room in landfills each year, and that’s a lot of space. This has a tremendous impact on landfill mass, resulting in serious ecological and environmental issues as well as harmful working conditions for people all over the world.

Most mattresses, to the tune of 80 to 90 percent, can be deconstructed and repurposed. However, recycling rules, restrictions, and standards vary greatly from state to state, county to county, and even from city to city.

However, there are generally two ways to recycle a mattress in most regions.

Local Recycling Centers

There are certain recycling centers that will accept mattresses in their original state. Many areas have at least one recycling facility within a reasonable distance that will accept a mattress in its entirety. For a little service fee (typically not more than $40.00), some facilities will even contract with companies to collect up mattresses and recycle them for you. Extended Producer Responsibility Programs in some states (particularly, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and California) make mattress recycling and pick-up free or very low-cost (EPRs).

If you’re having problems finding mattress recycling facilities, there are a few helpful databases you can use.

• The Mattress Recycling Council maintains a database for states that have implemented EPR (as mentioned above, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and California.) If you reside in one of these states, you may discover information about mattress recycling programs that charge a low price or even provide a free pick-up service on this page.
• Recycling facilities in the United States and Canada are listed in the Earth 911 database, which is one of North America’s largest. It’s possible to search for facilities that take mattresses within a given zip code and filter by characteristics such as whether or not they charge a fee or whether or not they provide pick-up service. The database can also be accessed by calling 1-800-CLEANUP, the company’s toll-free number.
• In many cities and towns, there are municipal offices that deal with waste and recycling on a local level. They may be referred to as a variety of different things depending on where you live. Using a search engine, you can discover which city or town has responsibility for trash and recycling (or enter your zip code to do so). If your town does not participate in a recycling program, it is probable that many other towns and cities do. To find out where and how to recycle a mattress, call your local municipal office.
• In the event that you still can’t find a place to recycle your mattress, you may want to check out nearby businesses and facilities that often host people overnight. Universities, hotels, and hospitals are only a few examples. It’s very likely that the recycling centers in your area can help you locate a facility that accepts mattresses due to the large demand for mattress disposal at these facilities.

DIY Recycling

You may not be able to carry a full mattress to a facility that does not offer pick-up service if there is no facility nearby that accepts whole mattresses. The good news is that you may still be able to find a recycling solution in this situation!

• It is your responsibility to dismantle and recycle the mattress and box spring yourself. It is possible to dismantle your mattress into recyclable sections, which certain recycling sites that do not accept full mattresses may accept in their place. Check with your local recycling centers to see if they accept mattress materials before you show up or put them out with your usual trash. Many scrap metal sellers will pay you to take your mattress springs off your hands if they are made of metal.
  • In the garden and in the great outdoors, many mattress components can be put to use. As a raised garden bed, a wooden box spring can be used to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers, or it can be broken down and used as compost or landscaping mulch.
  • In the case of a move, mattress foam, fabric and padding material can be utilized as cushioning, insulation, or even covers for furniture to protect it from damage.
  • You may make a wide variety of creative projects and home decor out of the parts of a mattress that are broken down. Old mattress padding has been used to make everything from dog beds to bookshelves to wine racks, so there’s no shortage of creative ways to reuse mattresses.

How To Dispose Of A Mattress In NYC Properly?

Step #1. Prepare

Protect your mattress or box spring from illegal dumping or garbage disposal complaints by covering it and scheduling a pickup time. Seal the mattress or box spring in a plastic bag. You should be aware that even a partially covered bed on the curb with typical trash might still result in a report.

You can see why this is an understandable command, since it will dissuade others from picking it up. The proliferation of bed bugs will be slowed if the mattress is adequately sealed. However, what if you neglected to cover or prepare the mattress or box spring in advance of pickup?

You may even be fined $100 if you don’t pay it right away. As for a cover or bag, you should have no trouble locating one as the City does not supply one. The only rule in New York City is that the mattress must never be sealed for disposal with a red or orange cover.

Step #2. Schedule

Please don’t toss the mattress in the trash just yet, now that you know how to properly care for it. In New York, you are only allowed to leave your bed outside between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. on the day before your appointment. If you don’t have the bed when the pickup time comes around, you’ll have to reschedule. Yes, you read that correctly.

Mattresses of all sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king, must be taken away by appointment. As a last resort, you can examine the dimensions of your bed to determine whether it is larger than the standard 4-foot-by-3-foot size. If you’re interested in learning more about the scheduling requirements, keep reading.

Does NYC Sanitation Pick Up Mattresses?

Your old mattress will be picked up by the NYC Department of Sanitation the evening before your planned appointment, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 12 a.m. However, you can also use a service request number or call 311 to postpone or cancel your appointment. The only restriction is that you cannot cancel or reschedule online, and you may only do so until 4 p.m. on the day before your scheduled appointment.

Rescheduling and cancellation

How else could you have to reschedule or cancel your pickup? Once the snow has stopped, the Department should work with you to reschedule your pick-up time. Make a separate appointment if someone else requests your desired day and time slot.

Why not expand your trash collection? At your visit, you may simply bring them along with your mattress. However, keep in mind that these things may have additional requirements, such as mattress disposal, so be careful.

When Can I Throw Out A Mattress In NYC?

Appointment schedule

On the day of your appointment, you can throw out a bed in New York City. It’s possible to submit a missed collection complaint if Sanitation fails to pick up the mattress, in which case you can simply leave it outside. To avoid having to reschedule, you must have a service request number.

Trash collection day and recycling collection day

It’s also possible to place the things out front the night before your scheduled pick-up and then call to establish an appointment. When disposing of a mattress, keep in mind the Sanitation Department will only pick it up from authorized areas, like the curb or an alley.

As a result, the mattress could be declared “unserviceable” because it is located on a prospective private property. Finally, keep in mind that sanitation holidays are observed in New York when planning a mattress collection. Mattresses should be put outside after 4 p.m. on your trash collection day, but if that day falls on a holiday, put them outside the day before that day’s scheduled recycling pickup.

How to Keep Your Mattress in Good Shape Longer

Protecting your mattress and home from disaster is as simple as following our list of the ten greatest ways to take care of it.

1. Make sure your mattress is properly supported.

You may not always need to purchase the matching foundation or box spring with a new mattress, but it is crucial to ensure that your mattress has the proper support. This preserves the material’s integrity and prevents premature wear.

For more information, speak with the product’s creator or review the manufacturer’s warranty policy. Specialty mattresses such as memory foam and latex require a firmer support than traditional spring beds.

The center support bars on queen and king beds should be constructed to handle the weight of the mattress and the people sleeping on it. Depending on the mattress and weight, wide-slat platform beds may require additional support.

In order to ensure that your mattress isn’t affected by damaged slats or springs, you should examine the stability of your bed once a year or so.

2. Use a mattress protector from the beginning.

Mattress protectors are one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the life of your mattress.

In addition to protecting your mattress from spills and mishaps, a high-quality mattress protector reduces the amount of dust, debris, and filth that enters your bed.

This keeps skin oils and sweat off the bed, which helps keep allergens like mildew and dust mites from building up. To make cleanup a breeze when accidents do occur, many modern protectors feel just like a fitted sheet.

3. Wash bed linens regularly.

Sweat, oils, hair, and skin cells are all shed while you sleep. In addition to the crumbs that are left behind when one eats in bed, pets can bring in all kinds of other items. Not only does this smell bad, but it can also foster bacteria and encourage the growth of dust mites if it makes its way into the mattress.

According to most housekeeping professionals, bed linens and blankets should be laundered once a week to twice a week. The cleanliness of your sheets is essential even if you’re wearing a mattress protector. The mattress protector should also be washed on a regular basis, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

4. Get pets separate beds to snuggle in.

Giving pets their own beds rather than having them snuggle on your mattress is preferable when it comes to bedding.

When pets, like people, go outside to relieve themselves, they slobber, drool, and shed hair and cells, which end up on your sheets. It’s not uncommon for pets to have an accident, which can completely damage a perfectly nice mattress.

5. Rotate the mattress regularly.

No matter the size or the material, rotating a mattress on a regular basis is beneficial to all mattresses. While some manufacturers claim that rotating is not necessary, the fact is that rotating promotes more even wear, while not rotating increases the risk of depressions and softness.

Rotate the mattress from head to foot every two to six months. During the first few of years of using a new mattress, this is very critical.

6. No jumping on the bed!

Your mother was right when she said you shouldn’t jump on the bed. Spring, water, and air mattresses are the most vulnerable to harm from harsh wear, but foundations, frames, and even foams can all wear down more quickly if you are rough on the mattress.

7. Take care when moving your mattress.

When moving, avoid bending or folding your mattress to prevent damage. Instead, wrap it in plastic to keep it safe. If you’re moving and need to protect your mattress from scuffs and scratches, heavy-duty mattress bags that can be taped shut are generally available at moving and box stores.

In general, it’s better to move a mattress upright on its side to avoid creases or sagging during transport. Mattress covers with handles are normally not recommended for moving or dragging the mattress.

8. Don’t bring home unwanted hitchhikers.

Once a bedbug has infiltrated, it’s difficult to get rid of them.

Always check the bed for symptoms of bed bugs and try to keep luggage off the floor when sleeping away from home. If you think you might have bedbugs, Texas A&M University provides some advice on how to keep them out of your house.

Consider utilizing a bedbug-proof mattress encasement if you live in an apartment or in an area where these pests are prevalent. All four sides of the bed are covered to keep bugs out. These are different from mattress protectors since they feature unbreakable zippers.

9. Let the light in occasionally.

Remove your mattress for a few hours every month or two on a sunny, dry day to let the sun to air out your mattress (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on).

According to a Kingston University study, this may also help control dust mite populations by preventing excessive moisture from sleepers and humidity.

10. Follow manufacturer cleaning directions.

In order to maintain the health and cleanliness of your mattress, it is essential that you clean your mattress on a regular basis.

A hose attachment can be used to vacuum the surface of most beds to remove any surface dust that may have built up.

Before changing the bed, spot treating stains with a moderate water and soap solution is an option. Foams can be damaged by harsh chemical cleaners, so be careful while using them.

Vacuuming should be done every 1 to 3 months, depending on the degree of dust, allergies, or personal preference.

The essentials of mattress care and maintenance are the same regardless of the type or brand of mattress. To summarize, make sure the bed is free of debris, secure it from harm, support it, and rotate it regularly to promote even wear.

Mattress longevity depends on a variety of circumstances, but following these best practices will help guarantee that you get years of healthy sleep and that your investment lasts as long as feasible. Know that a 10-year mattress guarantee is the industry standard, regardless of whether you’re shopping at a brick-and-mortar store or a new bed in a box.

Conclusion

Mattress disposal is regulated and governed in New York City in the same way that it is in other parts of the United States. To prevent receiving complaints and incurring fines, make sure you know how to properly dispose of a mattress in NYC. To get a handle on the process, simply seal the bed and set a schedule before putting it out on the street.

Check with the Sanitation Department if you have any other complaints, such as cancellations or the condition of your bed.