What do you do with your mattress when you no longer need it? Well, everyone has their own ways; some will just throw it whole in a landfill. Others will donate to those in need.

But the best way to deal with an old mattress and minimize environmental waste is to recycle or dispose it off properly. For this, you might need to disassemble the mattress.

Sounds daunting, right?

It doesn’t have to be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to stripping down a mattress. 

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a few essential supplies to disassemble your mattress properly. This includes;

• Utility knife or box cutter—to cut fabric
• Saw— for cutting the box spring frame
• Pair of Pliers or wrench—to remove staples
• Bolt cutter and wire clippers—to cut springs
• Boxes or bags—to hold mattress parts
• Pair of gloves—for your hand’s safety

Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling Your Mattress

Now that you’ve got all the essential supplies needed, it’s time to dismantle your mattress. Follow the steps below;

1. Get Rid of the Mattress Cover

If your mattress has a cover, start by removing it carefully. This outer layer is usually held in place by snaps, zippers, Velcro, or stitches. Using the box cutter or utility knife, cut through any stitching along the edges and seams of the cover. Ensure the knife doesn’t penetrate the foam layers beneath the mattress cover.

Now, remove the mattress cover and set it aside for recycling.

2. Split up the Foam Layers

Part any Velcro or adhesive, keeping the foam layers intact. You may want to utilize pliers or a flathead screwdriver to extract the layers from the mattress frame. Ensure the layers remain intact for reusing.

There are numerous ways to recycle mattress foam layers. For instance, you can use foam for cushioning, insulation, or crafting projects.

3. Unwrap the Springs

Does your mattress have inner springs? If so, you’ll need to pull out the spring layers carefully. Start by removing any padding or fabric covering the springs. Then, use a wrench or pliers to detach the springs from the frame.

Note that some mattress springs are held by screws. So, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew them.

4. Dismantle the Foundation

The mattress foundation is typically the bed base that lifts the mattress off the ground. Mattresses have different foundations, including slatted bases or box springs. Therefore, you’ll need first to determine the type of foundation on your mattress. Then, remove any padding or fabric covering it to access the frame or components.

You’ll need a drill or screwdriver to remove nails, fasteners, and screws holding the foundation together. Once the foundation is down, separate the components, such as metal, wood, or slats, for reuse or recycling.

5. Dispose of Materials Responsibly

You now have your mattress down in pieces. So what’s next?

You have three primary options;

• Recycle: Many recycling centers accept mattress components, including foam, metal springs, and wood.
• Donate: Consider handing out components in good condition to a local shelter or charity.
• Disposal: If your mattress components can’t be reused or donated, consider disposing them off properly. You may want to contact your local waste management to inquire about proper disposal methods.

Ready to Take Down Your Old Mattress?

Whether you’re considering recycling, reusing, or donating your mattress (or components), it’s important to dismantle it properly. You only need to follow the above steps, and you’re good to go. If you would like to dispose of your mattress properly, feel free to contact us today!