How to get rid of an old mattress: your 2026 guide to recycling and removal

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. As of 2026, the maximum on-the-spot fine for fly-tipping in England has risen to £5,000, so getting rid of your old mattress the right way matters more than ever.

If you're wondering what to do with your unwanted mattress, here's how to remove it responsibly in 2026.

Why responsible mattress disposal matters

Around 6.4 million mattresses reach the end of their life in the UK every year, and roughly 4.75 million of them still end up in landfill or incineration. Councils across the UK spend millions cleaning up fly-tipped waste – with 1.26 million fly-tipping incidents recorded in England in 2024/25 alone – 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, and recycling rates are improving: 56% of mattresses were sent for recycling in 2023, more than double the 25% recorded in 2021. 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 – the average minimum council bulky-waste charge is now £37.70, and higher in some areas
• Some councils send collected waste to landfill
• Availability can vary, with typical waits of 5–14 working days
• 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
• High 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

What happens to a recycled mattress?

• Steel springs → Used in metal products
• Foam → Reused for carpet underlay
• Fabric → Repurposed for industrial uses
• Memory foam → Shredded and reused as carpet underlay or padding.
  
  Getting rid of the bed frame too? If you're clearing the whole bed, the frame needs handling differently depending on the material:
• Wooden frames → recycled as wood waste or reused
• Metal frames → recyclable as scrap metal
• Divan bases → bulky and part-fabric, so often need the same professional collection as the mattress.
• The easiest route is to have the mattress and frame collected together in one booking.

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 fines of up to £5,000

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
  

FAQ

Can you take a mattress to the tip?

Most tips accept mattresses, but you'll need a big enough vehicle, a pre-booked slot, and proof of address. Even then, many send them straight to landfill rather than actually recycling them. A Litta collection picks up from your door with a high landfill diversion rate and full waste transfer documentation.

Can you put a mattress in a skip?

Most skip companies either refuse mattresses or charge a surcharge of around £20–40. They take up huge space and can't be compacted, so you're paying for volume you can't use.

How much does it cost to get rid of a mattress?

Council bulky waste collection averages around £37.70 and can take 5–14 working days. The tip is free but you need a vehicle and a booking. Skip hire often has a mattress surcharge. A Litta collection starts from a fixed price with same-day availability, responsible recycling, and no hidden fees.

How do you dispose of a soiled or stained mattress?

Charities won't take them. Councils may refuse them. Listing one online is a non-starter. You could drive it to the tip yourself, but most people understandably don't want a soiled mattress in their car.

Can you cut up a mattress for disposal?

You can, but it's messy and slow. Springs, foam, fabric, and felt all need disposing of separately. If you're getting rid of the bed frame too, our guide to removing a bed and mattress together covers the easiest route.

What happens to old mattresses when they're recycled?

Springs go to metal recycling. Foam becomes carpet underlay or padding. Fabric gets repurposed for industrial use. Up to 90% of a mattress can be recovered — our recycling guide explains the full process. The problem is most DIY routes can't guarantee recycling actually happens.

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