How to get rid of an old mattress: A guide for best recycling & removal options

Replacing your mattress should feel like a fresh start – not a headache. But getting rid of the old one? That’s not always simple.

Mattresses are bulky, hard to transport, and difficult to recycle. Yet, disposing of them responsibly matters – not just for the environment but to avoid fines and unnecessary hassle.

If you're wondering what to do with your unwanted mattress, here’s how to remove it the right way.

Why responsible mattress disposal matters

Millions of old mattresses are thrown away each year, and many ultimately contribute to landfill waste or end up illegally dumped. Councils across the UK spend millions cleaning up fly-tipped waste, and mattresses are one of the worst offenders.

The good news? Many mattress materials – like metal springs, foam, and fabric – can be recycled and repurposed. But not every recycling centre accepts them, so choosing the right disposal method is key. 

Mattress disposal options

When you do a house clearance, or your mattress simply reaches the end of its life, here’s how to get rid of it responsibly:

1. Council collection services

Most local councils offer bulky waste collection, which includes mattresses. But:

• There’s usually a fee
• Some councils send collected waste to landfill
• Availability can vary, with potential delays
• You won’t always know when they will be coming or receive a confirmation 
• You’ll need to move the old mattress to the designated pickup point

2. Local recycling centres

If you have transport, taking your mattress to a household waste recycling centre is an option. Check ahead – some centres offer mattress recycling services, but others still send them to landfill.

3. Donating to charity

If your mattress is in good condition, donating it can extend its life. Charities such as the British Heart Foundation accept mattress donation with intact fire safety labels. But they won’t take stained or damaged old mattresses.

4. Sell or give it away

If your mattress is still usable, you can list it on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle. Be clear about its condition and whether it meets fire safety regulations.

5. Book a professional collection

For a quick, hassle-free option, a professional collection service ensures your old mattress is removed responsibly.

At LITTA, we offer a seamless, eco-conscious mattress collection service:

• Fast and reliable – Book in seconds, and we’ll handle the rest
• 81% recycling rate – We recycle your old mattress wherever possible
• Nationwide service with same-day options and live tracking
• Full compliance – You’ll receive before/after photos and a digital waste transfer note for total transparency

Mattresses contain valuable materials that can be repurposed:

• Steel springs → Used in metal products
• Foam → Reused for carpet underlay
• Fabric → Repurposed for industrial uses

Common mistakes to avoid

Some removal methods do more harm than good. Here’s what not to do:

• 🚫 Don’t put it in a skip – Most skip providers won’t accept mattresses without extra fees
• 🚫 Don’t burn it – Burning releases harmful toxins
• 🚫 Don’t dump it – Fly-tipping is illegal and can lead to hefty fines

Need help with your old mattress?

Getting rid of an old mattress doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether it’s a council collection, donation, recycling, or professional mattress collection service, you can ensure your mattress is dealt with in an environmentally friendly way.

At LITTA, we make mattress removal easy:

• ✅ Book in seconds
• ✅ Reliable mattress collection
• ✅ Eco-conscious disposal

Get a free quote today and let us handle the rest – quick, hassle-free, and always responsible.