How to Dispose of an Old Mattress in Ireland
Getting rid of an old mattress in Ireland isn't as simple as putting it out with the bins. Mattresses are bulky waste requiring proper disposal—but the good news is there are several responsible options, from recycling centres to retailer take-back schemes. Here's your complete guide.
Your Disposal Options at a Glance
Civic Amenity Sites
Drop off at your local recycling centre
Council Bulky Collection
Book a collection through your local authority
Recycling Companies
Professional mattress recycling services
Charity Donation
Donate to charities if mattress is in good condition
Civic Amenity Sites (Recycling Centres)
Every county in Ireland has civic amenity sites where you can drop off bulky waste including mattresses. This is often the most affordable option if you have transport.
How It Works
- 1Find your local site: Visit mywaste.ie and enter your Eircode to find nearby facilities.
- 2Check acceptance: Call ahead to confirm they accept mattresses and check current fees (typically €10-€25 per mattress).
- 3Bring ID/proof of address: Most sites require proof you're a resident of the county. Utility bills or driving licence work.
- 4Transport and unload: You'll need a car with folded seats, van, or trailer. Staff will direct you where to place the mattress.
Tip: Mattress Amnesty Days — Some councils run free mattress drop-off events periodically. Tipperary, Dublin, and other counties have offered these. Check your local authority website or sign up for council newsletters to catch these opportunities.
Council Bulky Waste Collection
If you can't transport the mattress yourself, most local authorities offer doorstep collection for bulky items. Prices and availability vary by county.
How to Book
- • Contact your local authority directly
- • Or book through your waste collection provider
- • Some councils use online booking systems
- • Expect 1-2 week wait times
Typical Costs
- • Single mattress: €25-€40
- • Double/King mattress: €35-€50
- • Additional items often discounted
- • Some areas include in annual charges
Contact details for your local authority can be found at gov.ie or through your county council website.
Professional Mattress Recyclers
Specialist recycling companies offer convenient home collection and ensure your mattress is properly recycled rather than sent to landfill.
Bounce Back Recycling
Ireland's largest mattress recycler. Recycles up to 95% of materials.
From €35
Nationwide (2-14 days)
Greenstar/Panda
Part of bulky waste collection services.
From €40
Dublin, Cork, Galway areas
AES Waste
Bulky item collection including mattresses.
From €35
Dublin & surrounding counties
The Environmental Impact
A single mattress takes up to 23 cubic feet of landfill space and can take decades to decompose. Professional recyclers like Bounce Back recover up to 95% of materials—steel springs become new metal products, foams become carpet underlay, and textiles are repurposed.
Retailer Take-Back Services
Buying a new mattress? Many Irish retailers offer to remove your old one at the same time. This is convenient but not always the cheapest option.
| Retailer | Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA | Old mattress removal with new purchase | €35 | Must be booked at time of purchase |
| Harvey Norman | Collection with delivery | €40-€50 | Available on selected mattress purchases |
| DID Electrical | Old bed/mattress removal | €40 | With new bed purchase |
| Mattress Mick | Free removal with purchase | Free | On selected mattress purchases in Dublin |
| Beds.ie | Old mattress collection | €30-€40 | Available at checkout |
* Prices and availability may vary. Always confirm with the retailer at time of purchase.
Charity Donation
While the idea of donating is admirable, the reality is that most Irish charities cannot accept used mattresses due to hygiene and fire safety regulations.
Important: Limited Acceptance
Major charity shops (St Vincent de Paul, Oxfam, Enable Ireland) typically do not accept used mattresses. Irish fire safety regulations require mattresses to meet strict standards, and verifying this for second-hand items is impractical.
When Donation May Be Possible
- ✓Homeless shelters: Some may accept mattresses in excellent condition. Contact Focus Ireland, Simon Community, or Peter McVerry Trust directly.
- ✓Refugee support organisations: May accept new or nearly-new mattresses with proof of recent purchase.
- ✓Online marketplaces: List on DoneDeal, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle for free collection. Be honest about condition.
- ✓Animal shelters: Some accept old mattresses for dog bedding. Contact your local SPCA or rescue.
What NOT to Do
Illegal Dumping
Leaving a mattress by the roadside, in a field, or any public place is a criminal offence. Fines range from €75 on-the-spot to €5,000+ on conviction. Local authorities use CCTV and investigate reports.
Burning
Burning mattresses releases toxic chemicals from synthetic foams and fabrics. It's illegal, dangerous, and harmful to air quality.
Leaving with General Waste
Placing a mattress beside your bin won't work—waste collectors will leave it. You may also be fined for improper waste presentation.
Quick Decision Guide
Are you buying a new mattress?
→ Yes: Ask the retailer about take-back service at checkout. Most convenient option.
→ No: Continue below.
Do you have transport (car, van, trailer)?
→ Yes: Drop at your local civic amenity site (€10-€25). Cheapest option.
→ No: Continue below.
Want the most convenient option?
→ Book Bounce Back Recycling or similar (from €35). They collect from your door.
→ Or contact your local council for bulky waste collection (€25-€50).
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Disposing of a mattress in Ireland costs between €10-€50 depending on the method you choose. The cheapest option is dropping it at a civic amenity site yourself; the most convenient is booking a home collection from a recycler like Bounce Back.
Whatever you do, never dump illegally—it harms the environment, costs councils (and ultimately taxpayers) money to clean up, and can result in significant fines. Take a few minutes to arrange proper disposal and your old mattress will be recycled responsibly.