Disposing of a mattress in New York City is not as straightforward as you might think. It can be costly, and the process varies depending on the size of your mattress, how it needs to be disposed of, and where you live in the city. Fortunately, there are several options available that make disposing of a mattress easy and convenient. In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about properly getting rid of your mattress in NYC.
What are your options?
Recycling an old mattress is an important step in sustaining the environment. Luckily, there are many resources available to help New Yorkers recycle their mattresses responsibly. Here’s how you can do it:
Get in touch with your local sanitation department
Contact your local sanitation department for information about mattress disposal. While some areas have specific mattress recycling sites, others require that mattresses be put out with regular garbage pick-up for disposal.
Recycle your mattress instead!
Check for mattress recycling centers in your area. There are some companies that specialize in recycling mattresses and other furniture items, such as 1-800-Got-Junk or Earth 911 Recycling Directory.
Donate it.
Consider donating the used mattress to charitable organizations instead of throwing it away or recycling it. Charities like Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill accept donations in most locations throughout New York City, and will often use these items to provide them to families in need of assistance.
Throw it away.
Lastly, if recycling or donating is not an option, contact a local landfill directly and inquire about proper disposal options for your mattress.
Here is a guide on how to prepare your mattress for garbage pickup in New York City:
Prepping for Garbage
Wrap up your mattress
Start by wrapping up your old mattress tightly with some plastic sheeting or sturdy material such as a tarp or canvas. This will help keep the dust and debris contained while still protecting it from getting wet during garbage pickup.
Remove the box spring
If you have a box spring attached to your mattress, make sure you remove it before garbage pickup arrives. This prevents any unnecessary bulk being added to the truck which can cause delays or extra charges.
Call 311
Make sure ahead of time that mattresses are accepted at the location that you plan on disposing of it at. Contact NYC 311 by phone or online if you have any questions about where and when mattresses can be disposed of safely and legally.
Place your mattress outside
Once everything is ready, place your wrapped-up mattress near the curb outside your house for garbage pickup on the designated day that comes around each month. Make sure it is placed securely so it does not create an obstruction for pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles passing by. Preparing your old mattress for garbage pickup in New York City does not have to be difficult – just follow these steps and you will ensure that it gets taken care of quickly and efficiently! In the event you would prefer to store your mattress instead of getting rid of it, contact Gotham Mini Storage, the leader in Manhattan mini storage and self storage in New York City. If you happen to be in the middle of an apartment refresh, be sure to read our storage tips to help you make the most of your bedroom space!