Disposing of an old mattress: the 4 options compared

Bulky waste, recycling centre, recycling or take-back with a new purchase – how do you dispose of an old mattress properly? What it costs, what's eco-friendly, what's most convenient.
Updated on
Alte Matratze entsorgen: die 4 Wege im Vergleich

Your old mattress doesn't belong in the general waste bin or in a bulky waste bag next to the container. There are four proper ways to get rid of it, each with its own pros and cons. Here's the honest overview, so you don't get lost in the local waste regulations.

Option 1: Bulky waste collection by the city

How it works: Book a bulky waste collection online with your local waste management service. Put the mattress outside your door on the morning of the appointment.

Advantages Disadvantages
Free in most cities (1 to 2× per year included) Waiting time for an appointment is often 2 to 6 weeks
No trip to the recycling centre The mattress may stand on the street for several hours, risk of theft (very rare)
Can also be used for several large items at once Some cities require registration several weeks in advance

Recommendation: The standard option for 90% of cases. Especially if your new mattress won't be delivered for a few weeks anyway, the bulky waste appointment often fits in nicely in between.

Option 2: Recycling centre

How it works: Put the mattress in the car, drive to the nearest recycling centre and drop it off.

Advantages Disadvantages
Gone immediately, no waiting for an appointment You need a car / trailer / van
Free in many cities for normal household quantities Some centres charge a fee (€5 to €15 per mattress)
You know straight away that it's been disposed of Opening hours are often limited (weekdays only, Saturday mornings)

Recommendation: If you have a car anyway and want the mattress gone immediately, this is the fastest option.

Option 3: Recycling specialist

How it works: There are specialist providers who collect mattresses and recycle the materials (steel springs → scrap metal, foam → new padding). Examples: regional mattress recyclers, often arranged on request via your local utility company.

Advantages Disadvantages
Highest recycling rate, materials actually get reused Rarely free of charge (€10 to €30 per mattress)
Often collected without you needing a car Not available in every region
Clear environmental footprint Lead time for appointments as with bulky waste

Recommendation: If the environmental aspect matters to you and you're willing to pay a little extra.

Option 4: Take-back when buying new

How it works: Ask the manufacturer or retailer of your new mattress whether they'll take the old one away on delivery day. Many providers now offer this, some for free, some for a small fee.

Advantages Disadvantages
Zero effort: old one out, new one in, in a single appointment Not all providers offer this
Often free or for a small fee Requires the old mattress to still be transportable (not soaked, not heavily mouldy)
You don't have to take care of anything Sometimes only bookable as part of a premium service package

Recommendation: Just ask when you order. The answer is usually "yes, for a fee of X", and that's often cheaper than driving to the recycling centre yourself, especially if you don't have a car.

What does each option cost on average?

Option Typical cost
Bulky waste collection €0 (within the standard allowance)
Recycling centre €0 to €15
Recycling specialist €10 to €30
Take-back when buying new €0 to €25

Important: what's not allowed

  • General waste bin: the mattress doesn't fit and isn't allowed in there anyway.
  • Container sites / bulky waste collection points: illegal dumping, you risk a fine.
  • Forest, field, car park: self-explanatory.

Special case: mouldy or soaked mattress

Many recycling centres treat a visibly mouldy or permanently soaked mattress as hazardous waste, and it's often excluded from bulky waste collection. In that case, call the recycling centre and ask, or hire a recycling specialist who also accepts contaminated mattresses.

Before you dispose of it: is it really worn out?

A mattress shows material fatigue after 8 to 10 years. If yours is younger and only has a few pressure marks or a musty cover, a new topper or a removable cover can extend its lifespan by 2 to 3 years. More on this in our article Which mattress is the right one.

If your old one really is finished: take a look at our current mattress range. With a 100-night sleep trial, you can dispose of your old one with a clear conscience. You'll have checked that the new one really is better.

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Choose your mattress

Find the perfect balance for your sleep.

HERO

HERO

Maximum comfort. Every night.
MOVE

MOVE

For the highest standards.
LITE

LITE

Your balance. Your sleep.
CORE

CORE

Spring power for every night.
COMFORT LAYER
Airflex hybrid foam
Airflex hybrid foam
Airflex hybrid foam
Airflex topper layer
CORE TECHNOLOGY
Cold foam core
Cold foam core
Cold foam core
7-zone pocket spring core
HEIGHT
Approx. 20 cm
Approx. 21 cm
Approx. 16 cm
Approx. 20 cm
SUPPORT ZONES
7 zones
7 zones
7 zones
7 zones
BREATHABILITY
PRESSURE RELIEF
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
COVER
Removable & washable at 60 °C
Summer & winter side + washable at 60 °C
Removable & washable at 60 °C
Removable & washable at 60 °C
GUARANTEE
10 years
10 years
10 years
10 years
PRICE
From €189
From €179
From €109
From €165
All mattresses are delivered free of charge. Including a 100-night sleep trial.
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View LITE
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Frequently asked questions & answers

What matters most before you buy

Here you will find all the relevant information about our mattress range.

Cold foam mattresses are among the most popular types of mattress, as they offer a balanced combination of comfort, ergonomics and durability. The open-cell foam adapts precisely to the body while supporting a healthy sleeping posture. Its high breathability also ensures a pleasant sleep climate – in summer as well as in winter. If you are looking for a versatile mattress that suits almost every sleeping position, a high-quality cold foam mattress is an excellent choice.

The HERO, LITE & MOVE mattresses were developed for back, side and stomach sleepers. Thanks to the ergonomic zoning, shoulders, pelvis and spine can be supported optimally. Side sleepers benefit from good pressure relief in the shoulder area, back sleepers from stable support for the spine and stomach sleepers from a balanced posture. This also makes the mattress ideal for people who often change their sleeping position during the night.

Airflex® technology was developed to support the body as precisely as possible. The special structure of the cold foam creates numerous contact points that distribute pressure evenly while ensuring pleasant air circulation. As a result, the mattress feels neither too hard nor too soft, but adapts perfectly to your individual body contours. The result is a comfortable feel with a high level of ergonomics.

With normal use, a high-quality cold foam mattress can retain its ergonomic properties for many years. The key factors are the quality of the foam, the workmanship and regular care. If the mattress is turned regularly and the cover is washed according to the care instructions, it stays hygienic and comfortable. A good mattress is therefore a long-term investment in healthy sleep.

Yes. The high-quality cold foam core was developed for high dimensional stability and provides reliable support even under heavier loads. Thanks to its robust material structure, the mattress keeps its shape for a long time and loses only minimal elasticity even with daily use. This makes it suitable for a wide range of body weights and ensures lasting sleeping comfort.

No. Modern cold foam mattresses have an open-cell structure that allows continuous air circulation. This means moisture can be wicked away faster than with many conventional foams. Combined with a breathable cover, this creates a pleasant sleep climate that reduces heat build-up and noticeably improves sleeping comfort.

Your body regenerates while you sleep. An ergonomic mattress supports the natural shape of the spine and reduces pressure points on the shoulders, back and hips. This allows muscles to relax better and relieves the spine evenly. As a result, many people experience noticeably greater sleeping comfort and wake up more refreshed.

To help the mattress retain its properties for as long as possible, it is a good idea to turn it regularly and clean the cover according to the care instructions. A washable cover also contributes to a hygienic sleeping environment. In addition, the mattress should be used on a suitable slatted bed base so that air can circulate freely and moisture is reliably carried away.

The HERO focuses on high-quality materials, modern sleep technology and durable workmanship. Instead of paying for elaborate marketing campaigns or middlemen, you invest directly in the quality of your mattress. That way, you get premium sleeping comfort at a fair price without compromising on ergonomics or workmanship.

The right firmness level depends on your body weight, your preferred sleeping position and your personal sense of comfort. As a rule of thumb, lighter people often prefer softer firmness levels, while heavier people benefit from firmer support. Many modern mattresses – like the HERO – offer two firmness levels in one mattress. Simply turn it over to adapt the feel to your individual needs and decide for yourself which side gives you the best sleeping comfort.