What To Do With Old Futon Mattresses? (Find Out Now!)

If there is one thing that most futon owners know, it’s that mattresses are not meant to be forever. Futons are great, but getting rid of a mattress often can prove to be more tricky than anything else. Did you ever wonder what you can actually do with an old mattress?

Futon mattresses that are gently used can be donated to shelters. Some municipalities will be able to recycle them. If you cannot recycle your mattress, you can dispose of them by calling your new mattress company for a pickup or calling for a large item pickup.

Futon mattresses, just like any other type of mattress, needs to be properly cared for. We’re going to detail how to make the most of your mattress’s lifespan and keep things as green as possible.

Is your mattress VERY gently used? Like, no bed bugs, no bumps, and no lumps-style used? If so, it might not make sense to throw it away. Many women’s shelters and homeless assistance centers are hard up for mattresses. Call your local shelter to find out if your mattress can be donated. Most will offer free pickup with a side of good karma.

Don’t have a local shelter that accepts mattresses? Other options for donations include the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and your local church. Note: If your mattress has stains, extreme levels of body fluids, or has been exposed to bed bugs, please do not try this route. That’s just gross and insulting.

Mattress companies are starting to notice that people want to have good service on multiple fronts. In recent years, many companies have started to offer free mattress removal as a part of their service. If you are replacing your mattress rather than just throwing the futon away, you might be able to get your mattress removed.

Some of the companies that offer this include Lull, Raymour & Flanagan, as well as Casper. You should mention that you want their removal service when you buy your new mattress. From there, they will usually schedule the pickup on the day you drop stuff off.

In an ideal world, this would never be the case. But, we don’t live in that world and sometimes, it’s just not easy to try to do anything but junk it. If you cannot donate or recycle your mattress, trashing it is an option. You will need to make a call to your town’s solid waste disposal company and schedule a large item pickup for your mattress.

Once you’ve given them a heads up, wait until your next trash day and bring your mattress outside. The garbage men will pick it up and send it off to the landfill.

If you’re doing a major home cleanout, then you probably aren’t going to want to haul everything out in one go. That means that you might want to get help. Professional junk luggers are great for people who have a lot of stuff to get rid of. They’ll usually take your mattresses too.

This is a service that is remarkably useful, especially if you don’t want to do most of the work on your own. We strongly suggest this route if you live in an area like New York City or if you are disabled. In some cases, it can be considered a medical expense.

Honestly, it’s a possibility on paper. There is no law that stops you from selling a used mattress online or in-person. However, I don’t know of a single case where a regular person was able to successfully sell a used mattress. Even selling mattresses when they are new doesn’t seem to be easy.

Most people hear the words “Used Mattress” and run the other way because of the risk of bed bugs. Since it is extremely stigmatized, most people will not hear of it. Of course, you can always give it a try. I’d suggest using eBay and/or Craigslist. Keep the price super low if you can!

Mattresses picked up by companies usually end up getting recycled. They are governed by their own internal affairs, often working with the National Mattress Recycling coalition to coordinate mass shipping. In other words, if you want to get your mattress recycled easily this is the best way to do it.

It’s generally safe to assume that the mattress that you’re shipping out will be recycled. However, it’s always nice to double-check. If you’re concerned about the “green factor,” it’s okay to call up their customer service and ask about what happens to the mattresses. They don’t mind!

If your mattress experienced a bed bug outbreak, there is no way that you can donate it. Moreover, it would be very unethical to try to sell it, too. Even the act of picking it up via a company mattress service might be a pretty bad move. This leaves two major routes: recycling or trash. You can use junk luggers for this too, if you can’t haul it out yourself.

When disposing of a futon mattress with bed bugs, make sure to write the words “bed bugs” on the mattress. This warns others of the condition and prevents the spread of bed bugs elsewhere. If you want to try to use a pickup service, always mention the bed bug issue to the people who may be picking it up.

If a hunk hauling or mattress company has a policy against bed bug mattresses, please don’t take it personally. It is a serious problem and can cause health issues in people.

Related Questions

How long does a futon mattress last?

Futon mattresses are surprisingly durable. Most will last between five to 10 years with regular cleanings and typical use. With that said, there are always surprises that can happen. The author of this article was able to keep a futon mattress for 12 years!

How should you maintain an American futon mattress?

Vacuuming and cleaning the mattress is a must, but that should go without saying. A bi-monthly vacuuming session can help keep things clean. Use a mattress cover for the best possible results. Once every 6 months, try to flip your mattress. This ensures that it won’t get dented quickly and can help with your mattress firmness.

How should you maintain a Japanese futon mattress?

Hang your mattress out in sunlight for at least six hours. The light will end up killing most of the germs and refreshing the futon’s material. This also can help kill mold, and imparts a nice, fresh smell to your mattress. Japanese futon mattresses are thin enough to be hung up in the air.