Top 8 Ways to Dispose of Your Old Mattress in India
In India, the growing population and urbanisation have led to increasing waste generation. According to an article by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India generates 65 million tons of waste annually, but only 43 MT is collected and 12 MT is treated. The remaining 31 MT is discarded. A considerable portion of this waste comes from household items like mattresses. Hence, learning how to dispose of an old mattress properly is crucial.
This article explains the different ways to dispose of used mattresses, such as: recycling, donation, resale, and professional removal services along with tips. It helps Indian households make informed decisions about disposing of their mattresses responsibly and considering the environmental impact.
When to Dispose of Your Old Mattress?
Before looking at disposal methods, thoroughly inspect your mattress to determine whether it is still usable or requires complete disposal:
Mattress OK for Reuse/Resale
✓ Less than 5 years of usage
✓ No major stains, rips, tears or structural damage
✓ Foam padding and inner springs intact without sagging
✓ No foul, persistent odours
✓ No signs of bed bug, termite or other pest infestations
Mattress Needs Disposal
✘ More than 8-10 years old
✘ Sagging, broken or heavily compromised structure
✘ Unable to be cleaned of heavy soiling or stains
✘ Clear evidence of pest infestations like bed bugs
✘ Strong foul, musty odours that won't go away
If your mattress meets the "OK for Reuse" criteria, you should prioritise donation to someone in need, listing it for resale, or keeping it for extended use before eventually disposing it down the line. However, if it falls in the "Needs Disposal" category, you should explore responsible disposal options without any delay.
8 Ways to Dispose of an Old Mattress in India
Disposing of an old mattress is a common challenge faced by Indian households. As bulky items, mattresses require proper disposal methods to prevent environmental issues. If you’re looking to disposal of your old mattress, consider one of these 8 options:
1. Scrap Dealers (Raddiwalas/Kabadiwalas)
In India, calling scrap collectors or "kabadiwalas" to pick up your mattress for free recycling is the most popular and likely the most economical choice. Use online directories like JustDial to find the nearest kabadiwala contacts in your area, or ask your residential society staff for recommendations.
These informal waste collectors will come to your doorstep at a scheduled time, load the mattress onto their vehicle, and hand you a small fee (usually ₹50-200 based on size/weight). They then dismantle the mattress to extract and sell off components like metal springs, foam, wood, etc. to recyclers.
2. Donation or Charity
If your mattress is still in decent condition, many NGOs and charitable organisations accept mattress donations and distribute them to those in need.
Some popular & reliable organisations in India where you can consider donating your used mattresses include:
Even some footpath schools and night shelters happily accept a gently-used spare mattress.
Before donating, clean the mattress and ensure it’s free from stains, odours, bed bugs, or other infestations. It’s best to contact the organisation first to check their requirements and arrange a pickup if necessary.
3. Online Resale Listings
Selling your old mattress can be a viable option if it is less than 5 years old and still in decent, saleable shape. You can try listing it for resale on local classifieds or online marketplaces to find potential buyers.
Some popular online marketplaces for selling used mattresses in India include:
Reselling your old mattress online generates revenue and reduces waste by keeping the mattress out of landfills.
4. Hire Professional Mattress Removal & Disposal Services
Hiring a professional disposal service is a convenient option if you do not have the time or resources to dispose of the mattress yourself. These companies will collect the mattress from your location and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner. Most of these services charge a nominal fee.
Some popular disposal services in India include:
- Adobe Relocation in Mumbai
- Aakri in Kerala
- Scrap Pickup in Bangalore
- Recycle Baba in Delhi & NCR
- Reuze in Hyderabad
You can search online for local disposal services in your area that offer mattress disposal. While pricier than kabadiwalas, these services will coordinate everything from vehicle transportation to authorised dumping facilities. They handle all aspects so you don't have to struggle with transportation hassles or logistics. Ideal for those willing to pay a premium for a clean, zero-effort disposal experience.
5. Drop It off at a Collection Point
In some cities, non-profit organisations or private waste management companies have set up dedicated collection points where you can drop off old mattresses and other furniture items. You can do an online search for "mattress disposal [your city]" to find such options near you.
6. Recycle
Recycling your old mattress is one of the most eco-friendly options. In India, many companies specialise in mattress recycling. They break down the mattress into constituent parts and reuse or recycle them. You can easily find local mattress recycling services or companies online.
Some popular recycling companies in India include:
- Hindusthan Recycling in major cities across India
- The Kabadiwala in Bhopal, Indore, Raipur, Nagpur, Lucknow
- Let’s Recycle in Ahmedabad, Pune, Indore, Jamnagar, Bangalore
Mattress recycling is still not widely available in all Indian cities. However, for eco-conscious individuals, recycling is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable solution.
7. Mattress Exchange Program
Some mattress and furniture companies have recently started offering exchange programs in India. These programs allow you to trade in your old mattress for a new one, often with a discount or incentive. You can search online for companies that offer old mattress exchange programs by simply typing “mattress exchange offer”. However, carefully read all the terms and conditions before opting in. You should also check their websites or contact their customer service for more details.
8. Dispose of It Yourself
Although we strongly advise against doing so, if none of the above options are feasible, you can dispose of the mattress yourself. However, do not simply dump it in a landfill. Instead, dismantle it and dispose of the parts separately. The metal springs can be sold to a scrap dealer, while the foam and fabric can be used as pet beds. You can also consider composting the natural materials in the mattress, such as cotton or wool.
Why Proper Mattress Disposal Is Important
Mattresses are made of different materials, such as: foam, steel springs, rubber, and textiles. These materials can take hundreds of years to break down when thrown away. When not disposed of correctly, they release harmful chemicals. Furthermore, discarded mattresses are breeding grounds for pests and spread diseases.
Signs That Your Mattress Needs Replacement
Over time, even the best mattresses deteriorate and lose their support, comfort, and hygiene. Hence, it is crucial to identify these signs that your old mattress needs replacement:
- Visible sagging or indentations
- Worn-out edges and thinning
- Noticeable bulges or lumps
- Persistent odours or stains
- Allergic reactions or skin irritation
- Discomfort, aches, or poor sleep quality
- Mattress is over 7-10 years old
- Hearing creaks or feeling coils poking through
- Trouble getting comfortable or tossing and turning
- Mattress is visibly damaged or torn
- Noticeable dips where you sleep
- Mattress feels too soft or too firm
- Waking up feeling unrested or sore
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's likely time to dispose of your old mattress and invest in a new, high-quality mattress that can provide the proper support and comfort for a good night's sleep. Don't compromise your sleep health by holding onto an old, worn-out mattress.
Our Recommendation for Proper Mattress Disposal
Now that you’ve understood when your mattress needs replacement/disposal and the different ways in which you can dispose of your mattress, the last decision to make is whether the mattress is suitable for donation, needs to be disposed of, or can be recycled. The condition of the mattress will determine the right stream to choose:
- Donate Your Mattress: If the mattress is in decent, usable condition with no major damages, stains or pests.
- Dispose of Your Mattress: If the mattress is old and heavily used with structural damage or contamination issues.
- Recycle Your Mattress: If the mattress is in extremely poor condition but individual components like metal, foam, and wood are still salvageable.
By understanding the right stream for your mattress condition, you can ensure responsible donation, disposal or recycling as per the recommended guidelines.
Conclusion
Disposing of old mattresses in India is both environmentally responsible and socially conscious. Choose eco-friendly ways of disposal like recycling, repurposing materials or donating them to those in need, for a cleaner and greener India. Adopt the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" principle for a sustainable future.
Now that you've discovered how to dispose your old mattress, it's time to purchase a new one! Flo Mattress offers top-notch quality and ultimate comfort for your sleep sanctuary.