Can you recycle mattresses?
Recycling centre or council bulky-waste collection — around 75% of a mattress is recyclable.
Mattresses never go in household bins. Options: take it to the recycling centre (most have mattress recycling now), book a council bulky-waste collection (typically £15–£40), or use retailer take-back when a new one is delivered. Fly-tipped mattresses are one of the UK's biggest enforcement problems — always use an official route.
Tips
- Buying new? Most retailers collect the old one for £20–£40 — easiest option
- If it's clean and usable, charities with furniture arms (BHF, Emmaus) collect free
Which bin does it go in?
Recycling centre or council bulky-waste collection — around 75% of a mattress is recyclable.
Check booking, proof-of-address and vehicle rules before travelling.
Background: The decluttering disposal checklist.
Also searched as: mattress, bed, divan.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?