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How to Dispose of Your Old Mattress for Free?

Posted on by Diana D
How to Dispose of Your Old Mattress for Free
05
Nov

When it’s time to upgrade your mattress, the excitement of a better night’s sleep often comes with one frustrating question: How do you get rid of the old one without paying a fee?

Mattresses are bulky, difficult to move and transport, and not always accepted by every charity or council service.

The good news is that, in many cases, there are free options available in the UK — especially if your mattress is still in good, clean condition.

This guide walks you through all the realistic routes, from donation to council recycling, so you can dispose of your old mattress responsibly and for free.

Check the Condition First

Before you decide on the best disposal option, take a good look at the mattress itself. Its condition determines whether you’ll have access to free donation or if you’ll need to consider recycling instead.
 

A mattress is generally suitable for donation if it is:

  • Clean and free from stains
  • Odour-free
  • Not sagging or damaged
  • Still has the legally required fire-safety label attached
If your mattress ticks these boxes, you have far more free options, including charity collection and online give-away groups. If it’s in poorer condition — stained, torn, mouldy, or missing the fire label — then donation won’t be possible, and you’ll need to look at recycling or bulky waste routes.
 
Tip: Check the fire label before you do anything else. Without it, charities simply cannot accept the mattress.

Free Donation & Pick-Up Options

If your mattress is in good condition, donating it is one of the easiest free disposal routes — and it helps someone in need at the same time.
 

1. British Heart Foundation (BHF)

british heart foundation free mattress pick up

British Hearth Foundation (BHF) is one of the largest UK charities offering free furniture collection, including mattresses, provided they have their fire label and are in saleable condition.

They operate across most of the UK, making them one of the most accessible options for free pick-up.

Collections must be booked online or through your local BHF shop, and availability depends on your postcode.

2. Emmaus

emmaus free mattress collection donation

Emmaus supports people experiencing homelessness, and many of their regional communities offer free collection for good-quality furniture, which may include mattresses.

Since each Emmaus site operates independently, you’ll need to check with your nearest branch to confirm if they accept mattresses.

If they do, they’ll usually collect from your home at no charge, provided the mattress meets their quality standards.

3. Sue Ryder

sue ryder free mattress collection

Sue Ryder also provides a free furniture collection service in many parts of the UK, and certain shops accept mattresses that are in excellent condition with the required fire labels.

Their collection teams assess items on arrival, so be sure the mattress is clean, odour-free, and ready for reuse.

As collection areas vary, it’s best to contact your closest Sue Ryder furniture store to check availability.

Tip: If you have a large furniture item, such as sofa, that you want to donate and it’s in good condition, check out our guide on top 7 charities for donating an old sofa. 

Free Online Give-Away Platforms

If none of these charities cover your area, another reliable way to get rid of a good-quality mattress for free is to list it on local online give-away platforms.
 
These websites and community groups connect you with people who are happy to collect items directly from your home, often on the same day. It’s fast, convenient, and completely free.
 
Popular platforms include:
 
  • Facebook Marketplace – Ideal for quick responses. Many users search specifically for free items and are willing to collect within hours. You can also post in local community groups to reach even more people.
  • Freecycle – A long-established platform for giving away items locally. Freecycle users tend to be environmentally focused and often collect items promptly to keep them out of landfill.
  • Buy Nothing Groups – These hyper-local Facebook groups encourage gifting within small neighbourhoods. Because the groups are community-based, people are usually very reliable about pick-up arrangements.
A well-presented listing with clear, well lit-photos, can be snapped up within minutes, making online platforms one of the easiest free disposal methods available. Make sure you include the words “free – collection only” to avoid confusion.

Council and Local Recycling Centre Options

 
Depending on where you live, you may be able to dispose of a mattress for free through your local council or by taking it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). However, rules vary significantly across the UK, so it’s important to check local guidelines before making plans.
 

1. Council Bulky Waste / Large Item Collections (varies by area)

 
Some local councils offer free bulky waste collections that cover items such as mattresses — but many now charge a fee, and only a small number provide free pick-ups each year. What is accepted and how much it costs depends entirely on your local authority.
 
For example, Tower Hamlets Council (London) offers two free bulky waste collections per year, which can include mattresses, as long as they are placed outside the property by 7am on the day of collection.
 
To find out what applies in your area, check your local council’s website under “Bulky Waste”, “Large Item Collection”, or “Mattress Disposal”.
 

2. Take It to Your Local Recycling Centre (HWRC)

 
If you have access to a vehicle, you may be able to dispose of your mattress for free by taking it directly to your nearest HWRC. Many centres accept mattresses from residents at no charge and will aim to recycle as much material as possible. However, not all sites accept mattresses, and some require pre-booking or proof of address, so it’s important to check in advance.
 

Before travelling, confirm:

  • Whether your local HWRC accepts mattresses
  • Opening hours and site rules
  • If you need a booking slot or proof of residency

When Free Isn’t Possible: Low-Cost Options

 
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, completely free disposal isn’t available — particularly if the mattress is damaged or very old.
 

1. Retailer Take-Back Services

 
Many mattress retailers offer collection and recycling services when you buy a new mattress. These services aren’t free (with fees ranging from £40-£50), but they are convenient and ensure legal, responsible disposal.
 

2. Licensed Waste Removal Companies

 
If you choose private collection, confirm that the company is a licensed waste carrier. This protects you from liability if your mattress is illegally dumped.
 
For example, the company “Collect Your Old Bed” advertises Mattress Recycling and Disposal from just £24 (depending on its size and your postal code).
 

3. DIY Dismantling

 
As a last resort, you can dismantle the mattress yourself by removing the fabric, foam, and springs. Metal components can be taken to a scrap yard, and the remaining materials can go to recycling or general waste, depending on your council’s rules.
Diana D