Mattresses are surcharged at the Transfer Station for $60 each.
To avoid this charge you can strip all of the material from the metal springs inside the mattress, this means that it is essentially no longer a mattress - just some material and metal.
Below is some step by step instructions on how to strip a mattress.
Step One: Carry the Mattress Outside
Cutting up the mattress and box spring parts is best done outside. You'll avoid a huge mess from the cotton, foam, and wood frame. Get a helper or some people to assist you with removing the mattress from your home. If you must cut up the mattress parts in your home, lay down heavy tarps first. In either case, it's a good idea to lay the mattress flat on the ground. Make sure you have plenty of room around the mattress to work. This will make it easier to carry out the rest of the steps.
Step Two: Cut Off the Piping Cord from the Mattress Edge
Find the piping thread or binding cords on the edges of a mattress that help hold the top and bottom fabric to the sides of the mattress.
After step one, separate the corded trim along the edges of your mattress using a utility knife or seam ripper to remove the cord. It is easiest to cut as you pull and put tension on the thread using the utility knife to cut where the cord and mattress meet.
Step Three: Remove the Mattress Sides and Top Layer of the Mattress
Once these cords are removed, the mattress sides can be easily pulled away. If there are any buttons on the sides or edge of the mattress, cut them free using a hefty seam ripper. Pull back and cut away the top layer of the mattress fabric from the side.
Some mattresses have an extra mattress topper layer of cotton cushioning. This can be cut along the edges and pulled off.
Under the top layer of fabric, you’ll find padding. If there are any staples, cut them with heavy-duty pliers or wire cutters.
Step Four: Gather and Remove the Padding
The stuffing on a mattress is easily removed once the fiber layer of the mattress cover is removed. After you've completed step 3, simply pull the top padding layer off and collect it into a large trash bag. This material is typically made from cotton or wool, which may be accepted at a recycling facility. Cotton can be taken by your local trash pickup.
Step Five: Remove Remaining Bottom Fabric Pieces
Once you've cleaned up the mess from step 4, flip the mattress to the other side. Use your utility knife or seam cutter to tear away any remaining fabric pieces from this half. Pull the fabric off the mattress. Remove any staples as you go. This fabric may also be accepted at a recycling facility. If there is any remaining padding, pull that off as well.
