If your 1000 pocket sprung mattress has lost its bounce or your hybrid memory foam is feeling the pressure, it might be time for a change. Try these environmentally friendly recycling ideas for when the time comes.

The Sleep Council recommends that we change our mattresses every 8 years. After more than 20,000 hours of sleep over this time, our mattress has more than done its bit for us, and it can be the right time to invest in a new one. A supportive mattress means a good night’s sleep and in turn, keeps us happy and healthy. But what happens to our old mattresses? As they are bulky in size, they can be a hindrance to dispose of and sadly, a common sight in fly tipping hotspots. There are, however, some fabulous eco-friendly ideas to make the most of your old mattress, whether it is a pocket sprung mattress or memory foam. Let’s take a look:

  • Donate to your pet

Your dog will love the comfort of a mattress. Cosy, supportive and, best of all, full of your scent; they make great pet beds. If you are ‘crafty’, cut it down to size and use a blanket as a pillowcase to cover the bed. They will just love the comfort of your old pocket sprung mattress, with some comfy bedding on top.

  • Use the filling for upholstery

Keep the filling of the mattress for upholstering items of furniture or pillows. They can help alter an old chair into an ultra-cosy, stylish seat.

  • Make a unique item

If you are the creative type, there are some great ways of reusing mattress springs to design items. Plant potholders, wine display frames and even bird feeders, Pinterest is a fantastic source for creating one-of-a-kind items with your mattress parts.

  • Create a reading nook

A nook calls for layers of comfort and what’s more comfortable than a cosy mattress? Use brightly coloured fabrics to give your space a happy vibe. These work beautifully as part of a child’s den too. Top with some blankets and cushions and you have the perfect hideaway spot.

  • Make a trellis for your garden

Put your pocket sprung mattress to use in your garden. Old springs make fantastic trellises and give your garden an innovative glam glow. If you have a pocket sprung mattress, then simply lean the bed springs against a fence and plant your choice of climbing plant. One way to really put that 1000 pocket sprung mattress to use!

And if you simply want to discard your mattress?

The design and size of most a mattress mean that they are terrible candidates for landfill, and also the reason why many are dumped on our roads each year. There are several options available if you need assistance in removing them:

  • Recycling centres

Your local government website will have a list of places where you can recycle a mattress, near you.

  • Local Council

Taking a mattress to a recycling centre is by no means an easy feat, if you have a car. Most local councils will take your mattress away, at a cost, to be recycled.

  • Sell on or donate

If your mattress is in good condition and under 8 years you may be able to resell or donate it to a local charity.

Looking for a replacement?

It is important to do your homework when you purchase a new mattress. The last thing you want is to be replacing it after a year or so. The mattress market is full of options, from 1000 pocket sprung mattresses to hybrid styles. Think about what level of comfort and support that you require. A 1000 pocket spung mattress, such as this Simply Sleep Every Night 1000 pocket sprung mattress, absorbs any partner motion and offers pressure relieving support.

A 1000 pocket sprung mattress is an affordable and durable mattress. However, you can opt to purchase a mattress with more springs, as exhibited by this Old English Bed Company Diamond 5000 pocket sprung mattress for extra bounce and support.

A memory foam mattress can give you an entirely different level of comfort and support. Typically firmer in surface, and cocooning to your body shape, a memory foam mattress is excellent for joint pain relief.

If your mattress has reached the grand old age of retirement, there are plenty of environmentally friendly ways to give it a great send off. Whether you choose to get arty or recycle, you can have peace of mind that you are disposing of your old mattress in a useful way. And when you are ready for a new one, visit our selection including hybrid, memory and pocket sprung mattresses here.