Got an old mattress you need to get rid of? Mattresses are one of the most awkward items to dispose of in Bristol. They're too large for household bins, most skips won't accept them, and dumping one illegally can land you a fine of up to £50,000. Here's a complete guide to your options for responsible mattress disposal in Bristol.
Option 1: Bristol Council Bulky Waste Collection
Bristol City Council runs a bulky waste collection service where they'll collect a mattress from outside your property. The cost is £35 for up to three items and you can book online through the Bristol City Council website. The downside is the wait — collections are typically 2-4 weeks out, and you'll need to get the mattress outside yourself on collection day.
Option 2: Take It to a Recycling Centre
Bristol has three household waste recycling centres that accept mattresses free of charge. St Philips, Hartcliffe Way and Avonmouth all have designated mattress bays. You'll need to transport it yourself — which means a van or estate car with the seats down. Centres are open 7 days a week but check seasonal hours before you go.
This is the cheapest option (free) but requires effort and a suitable vehicle. If you live in a flat or don't have transport, it may not be practical.
Option 3: Professional Mattress Collection
A professional clearance service will collect your mattress from any room in the property — including upstairs bedrooms, lofts and flats without lifts. At Clearfields, we charge from £40 for a single mattress collected from anywhere in the Bristol area. We ensure responsible disposal: mattresses go to specialist recyclers where the springs, foam and fabric are separated and recovered.
Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost | Wait Time | Labour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council bulky waste | £35 (up to 3 items) | 2-4 weeks | You move it outside |
| Recycling centre | Free | Same day | You transport it |
| Professional clearance | £40-£60 | Same/next day | All included |
| Skip hire | Not usually accepted | — | — |
What About Mattress Recycling?
Mattress recycling is increasingly important. The UK sends an estimated 7 million mattresses to landfill every year, and each one takes up significant space that could be avoided. A standard mattress contains steel springs, polyurethane foam, cotton felt, and fabric — all of which can be recycled into new products. The steel is melted down, foam is shredded for carpet underlay, and fabric is recycled into industrial wiping cloths.
At Clearfields, we send all mattresses to specialist recycling facilities rather than landfill. This is part of our commitment to responsible waste management.
Tips for Mattress Disposal
- Check retailer take-back — if you're buying a new mattress, many retailers offer to remove the old one for a small fee or free
- Consider donation — if the mattress is in good condition (no stains, tears or sagging), charities like the British Heart Foundation may accept it
- Never fly-tip — illegal dumping carries fines up to £50,000 and a criminal record. Bristol Council actively investigates fly-tipping
- Combine with other items — if you have more to clear, a house clearance may be more cost-effective than disposing of items individually
Need a Mattress Collected?
We offer same-day and next-day mattress collection across Bristol. Call us on 0117 123 4567 or get a free quote online. We'll collect from any floor, any room, and ensure your mattress is recycled responsibly.