What can I do with my mattresses?

April 21, 2009 10:48 AM

What can I do with extra mattresses?

I have heard that mattresses are one of the worst things that can be put into landfills since they can't be compressed due to the springs. I want to be responsible and dispose of my mattresses properly. What is the easiest way to get rid of a couple mattresses if I want to avoid putting them in the landfill?

posted by unceman to home & garden (9 comments total)

Donate to a shelter
Craigslist it as a free item
Freecycle
posted by spec80 at 10:51 AM on April 21

You wouldn't think people would want a used mattress, even if it's perfectly clean, but they do. I got rid of mine within two hours of posting about it to Craigslist.
posted by ignignokt at 11:19 AM on April 21

Mattresses also make pretty decent sound-dampening material, if you have a decently large room you want to make a bit quieter. I've seen it done in some garages for bands to practice without pissing off neighbors. Otherwise, list as cheap or free, and give it to the first person to reply.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:22 AM on April 21

Tile them across the floor of an unused room and open a swing club. I heard Plato's Retreat was quite profitable back in the day.
posted by ladypants at 11:55 AM on April 21

Where I hail from they simply go on the burn pile, but that would be in a rural area without trash service. You have to be careful though because once they ignite they burn very hot. The springs would then go to the scrap yard with the next load of beer cans.
posted by mrmojoflying at 12:07 PM on April 21

I had two old mattresses that went away within hours on Freecycle. They were about twenty years old and stained; I described them accurately ad they were gone within the day.
posted by chazlarson at 12:55 PM on April 21

You could have a really, really, really high bed.

Maybe you could give it to a shelter.
posted by cranberrymonger at 1:15 PM on April 21

[A few comments removed. Try to keep it constructive, folks, and can the jokes.]
posted by cortex at 2:20 PM on April 21

Are you absolutely, positively certain there could be no bedbugs? Then post on Cl's free listing.
posted by theora55 at 4:20 PM on April 21