Can you put a mattress in a dumpster?

For a straightforward answer, you should never throw away your mattress in a dumpster. However, just because you can fit it into that dumpster doesn’t mean you should do it.

There are local regulations set for this due to safety concerns. You should dispose of different kinds of junk by just putting all that into your dumpster.

However, if you are unsure whether you can dispose of it in a dumpster, check with the local public works department. They will provide you with a list of items prohibited from such treatment.

This guide will discuss how to dispose of a mattress properly and why it is prohibited. So, let’s begin the discussion, shall we?

Facts Associated with Mattresses Illegal Disposal

As per International Solid Waste Association, more than 18.2 million mattresses are thrown away annually in the US. Many people make efforts to recycle their mattresses, but that, too, is an illegal practice.

These mattresses contain dangerous chemicals that manage properly during recycling. Municipalities also have different zones prohibiting dumpsters from removing household waste, including furniture and mattresses.

Larger cities such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia have set specific laws that don’t allow using dumpsters for such household waste.

For example, if you own a commercial property in any of these municipalities and want to remove these mattresses and furniture from the premises.

In such a scenario, you will have to hire a company that takes care of the waste legally. However, that can be expensive if the municipality has no zoning regions against using a dumpster.

This is when the question comes: should you use a dumpster to dispose of your mattress? The answer remains no, and there are two reasons for that.

Difference between furniture and mattresses

Furniture means tables and chairs, along with various other items you can easily remove from the premises. The same cannot be for mattresses, as they are of plastic and foam.

You can’t fit them in those tight compartments of any recycling truck, and you can’t certainly throw them in a city landfill either. In most cases, it is pretty unclear who takes these beds to any landfill.

It might be the responsibility of the building owner, or it might be the responsibility of any third party that is in contract with the municipality to take care of such trash. There is a considerable liability to taking care of these mattresses and dumping them into a dumpster.

Mattresses might have more than just mattress materials

These mattresses might feature different materials which don’t fall in the category of mattress materials. These materials might be hazardous and toxic.

They are high in formaldehyde and similar other harmful carcinogens. Dumping them into dumpsters is not ideal because these beds are a fire hazard. They tend to make hazardous wastes and are not recyclable.

Dangers Associated with Dumping Mattresses in A Dumpster

Sitting on a mattress, you tend to sit on many pounds of chemical material. Many of these chemicals are dangerous carcinogens.

The most common is toxic dyes and formaldehyde. They are released into the air or groundwater supply when they break down. So, they contaminate the local crops, other farming options, and the air.

These addresses are not just any lump materials that have foam and springs. They have different fabric types and similar other materials process with different chemicals. These chemicals blend with corrosive, toxic, and even explosive dyes.

When you throw out a mattress in a dumpster, these chemicals mix with bacteria and emit toxins into the air. Some cases have been where toxic fumes come from dumpsters near houses. It’s a major problem because it happens with some extensive facilities.

Mattresses, just like other furniture, become a fire hazard as they begin to burn when they catch fire. Therefore, fire protection systems should install near these dumpsters and facilities to keep everyone safe.

These systems come in handy in suppressing fires caused by mattresses, politics, wood, and rubber. You can’t dump a mattress into a dumpster, but it needs to go somewhere safe. Therefore, don’t just throw away your mattress in a dumpster because there can be terrible consequences for this.

Safe Ways to Dump an Old Mattress

There are different ways you can use to dump your old mattress effectively;

Dumping it

You can take your mattress to a local landfill or a dumpster. They will accept it in most cases in a roll-off dumpster. But be sure not to set these mattresses on fire, or you’ll end up contaminating the ecosystem and causing problems for landfills.

Donating it

You can always donate your unwanted or old mattress if you want to get rid of it. By doing so, you will be sure that your mattresses will be recycled or repurposed.

It is a much better option than just throwing away the mattress because you don’t want it. Charities do tend to take these old mattresses if you are willing to donate. So, your mattress doesn’t have to be in perfect condition for this.

Going for a furniture recycling service

When you donate your mattress, it doesn’t mean that it has gone to waste. Many recycling companies will take the mattress if it’s in good condition, and once it is taken away, it can be recycled in different cases.

Hiring a garbage disposal service

You can hire a garbage disposal service to handle the mattress and take it for purple disposal. It is another good practice that is much better than just throwing away the mattress into a dumpster.

Calling Earth 911

Earth 911 offers different services that allow you to locate a mattress recycling service near you. Moreover, they help remove any old mattress and provide you with a dumpster that you can use to dispose of it properly.

Can I Leave a Mattress Next to a Dumpster?

This is not a recommended practice, so you should ot leave your mattress next to a dumpster. It creates an unsanitary condition.

Therefore, a better option is to contact your local waste management authority for more details. But whatever you do, don’t leave your mattress right next to a dumpster.

They will take your mattress and recycle it. Mattresses are stripped by hand using different tools when recycled.

There are different materials used in the construction of these mattresses. These include the likes of foam, steel, cotton, and polyester, and they are packed separately for recycling and converted into something else.

Mixing Other Debris with Mattresses in a Dumpster Rental

You can mix other debris with mattresses in a dumpster rental. Place those old mattresses and household junk within the container. You don’t need a separate one for that as long these items are not prohibited in the area. You have to ensure you don’t end up overfilling your dumpster.

But you can mix other debris with these old mattresses. If unsure, you need to check with your local public works department for more information.

Can Mattresses be Put in a Dumpster Where You Live

If you are looking to rent a dumpster for your home cleanup or any other project, you can get in touch with the local public works department and get more information on what materials and stuff are accepted within the disposal rules within your area.

There might be additional charges per mattress or box ring you want to dispose of. So, you need to check with them and don’t end up unintentionally contributing to spreading the continents in your ecosystem.

Best Ways to Dispose of an Old Mattress

Here are some better ways that you can use to get rid of your old mattress effectively;

Sell

The best practice to get rid of your old mattress is selling it. You can contact your community or local public works to make the necessary arrangements.

Donate

Another option is to donate your mattress to charities near you. You can find various services that will help you find these charities online, and you can contact them for a donation. Make sure your mattress is in good condition for the charity to use it.

Gift

Another option is to give it to some of your neighbors, family, or friends. You will be able to help someone in need. Be sure to keep it in clean and good condition.

Recycle

Contact your local public works department, who will make arrangements for you if you want to recycle your mattress. You take your mattress to landfills for recycling.

Remove

You can find different mattress removal services and contact them to handle the mattress. Most of these services will take the mattress from you to a recycling facility or a landfill.

Key Takeaways on Mattress Disposal

Importance of Proper Mattress Disposal

Simply fitting a mattress into a dumpster doesn’t make it the right way to dispose of it. Local regulations, often driven by safety concerns, dictate proper mattress disposal methods.

Illegal Dumping of Mattresses

Discarding over 18.2 million mattresses annually in the US poses an environmental challenge. Moreover, recycling mattresses, thought by many to be an eco-friendly solution, is often illegal.

Harmful Components of Mattresses

Mattresses are complex constructs containing not just foam and springs but various materials. Some of these materials, like formaldehyde and other carcinogens, are toxic and can be harmful if released into the environment.

City Regulations on Mattress Disposal

Major cities such as New York and Los Angeles have stringent regulations against disposing of household waste, including mattresses, in dumpsters. For proper disposal, residents often need to rely on specialized companies or services.

Environmental Impact of Incorrect Disposal

Incorrectly disposing of mattresses can release toxic dyes and chemicals into the air or groundwater. These toxins can contaminate local agriculture and even produce hazardous fumes in certain conditions. Additionally, mattresses can become fire hazards.

Safe Mattress Disposal Options

Several eco-friendly and safe alternatives exist for mattress disposal:
Local landfills or dumpsters might accept mattresses, but it’s crucial not to burn them.
Donating the mattress ensures it gets recycled or repurposed.
Furniture recycling services can take mattresses if they’re in good condition.
Garbage disposal services offer specialized handling for mattresses.
Earth 911 provides services for locating nearby mattress recycling centers.

General Guidelines on Mattress Disposal

While you shouldn’t leave a mattress next to a dumpster due to sanitary reasons, many materials from a mattress can be recycled, such as foam, steel, and cotton. However, mixing debris with mattresses in a dumpster rental requires careful attention to local guidelines.

Alternative Solutions for Old Mattresses

Before resorting to dumping, consider selling, donating, gifting, recycling, or using removal services for your old mattress. Your local public works department can provide further guidance.

Conclusion:

There are various ways to get rid of your old mattress, but this one is certainly not one of them. Make sure you find someone in your circle who needs a mattress. You can contact local charities and shelters for the same.

Resources

https://earth911.com/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/12/mattress-landfill-crisis-recycling-nightmare