How to Dispose of a Mattress – Your Complete UK Guide

When it’s time to say goodbye to your old mattress, most people find themselves asking the same question: how on earth do I dispose of this thing legally, responsibly and without a headache?

Mattresses aren’t just bulky – they’re tricky to get rid of. They don’t fit in your wheelie bin, many councils won’t collect them for free, and fly-tipping can land you with a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months in prison under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

So, what’s the best way to dispose of a mattress in the UK? That’s exactly what we’re about to unpack. With a special focus on the easiest option: using a skip from ProSkips.

Let’s dive into how to dispose of a mattress, what’s allowed, what’s not and how to make mattress disposal a stress-free process.

Why Mattress Disposal Is a Big Deal

Every year in the UK, over 7 million mattresses are discarded, with many ending up in landfill. But here’s the catch: mattresses are notoriously difficult to break down. They’re made of mixed materials – metal springs, foam, textile and sometimes fire retardants – all of which need careful handling.

Improper disposal doesn’t just harm the environment. It can cost you.

• Fines for illegal dumping.
• Refusals from skip companies or council pickups.
• Time and money spent driving to recycling centres.

That’s why knowing your options (and your legal responsibilities) matters.

Can You Put a Mattress in a Skip?

Short answer – Yes, but with conditions.

Most reputable skip hire companies, including ProSkip, allow mattresses to be disposed of in a skip, but they often charge a small surcharge. Why? Because mattresses require special handling and dismantling, even when sent to recycling facilities.

So, before you chuck your old sleep pad in your builder’s skip, always let your skip provider know that you’ll be including a mattress. With ProSkip, it’s as simple as ticking a box when booking online or letting us know by phone.

Why Skips Are the Easiest Way to Dispose of a Mattress

Let’s be honest: hauling a mattress to a tip, arranging a bulky waste collection, or navigating Facebook Marketplace isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time.

Hiring a skip is the quickest, safest and most convenient way of how to dispose of a mattress. Especially if you’re already doing a home renovation, garden clear-out, or replacing furniture.

Here’s why a skip from ProSkip makes sense:

• No need to transport the mattress yourself.
• Available in multiple sizes – from mini skips to builder’s skips.
• Perfect for mixed waste (e.g., if you’re also clearing old furniture, rugs, or DIY waste).
• We handle the compliance, so you stay on the right side of the law.
• Flexible hire periods – no need to rush the job.
• London coverage – we understand all the permit rules and borough-specific restrictions.

How Much Does It Cost to Dispose of a Mattress?

The cost of disposing of a mattress can vary depending on the method you choose.

Skip Hire (Via Pro Skip)

• Standard skip hire starts from around £160–£300, depending on size and location.
• Mattress surcharge typically £10–£30 per unit.
• Permits (if placing the skip on a public road) start from £30–£70 in most London boroughs.
• No hidden fees – ProSkip offers transparent pricing, so you’re never caught off guard.

Council Bulky Waste Collection

• Prices range from £20–£60 depending on the local council.
• Usually limited to a set number of items (often 1–3).
• Waiting times can be up to 4 weeks, especially in London.

Retailer Take-Back Schemes

Some mattress retailers offer collections when delivering a new one. This is convenient but limited – usually only available at the time of purchase, and you’ll pay £25–£50 for the service. Plus, no other waste can go with it.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

You can take a mattress to the tip yourself, but you’ll need a vehicle big enough, and some HWRCs in London now require booking in advance or restrict how many mattresses you can bring per year.

Donation or Reuse

Charities like British Heart Foundation may accept mattresses if they’re clean, undamaged and have a valid fire label. But that’s a big ‘if’. Most won’t touch them due to hygiene regulations.

How to Prepare a Mattress for Skip Disposal

If you’re putting your mattress in a skip, follow these best practices:

1. Inform your skip provider (e.g. ProSkips) in advance.
2. Do not cut it open – this can cause injury or contamination.
3. Keep it dry – if the mattress gets soaked, it can weigh more and affect disposal costs.
4. Place it on top of the skip contents, not at the bottom under heavy waste.

UK Mattress Disposal Laws & Regulations

The UK government and Environment Agency have tightened rules around waste disposal, particularly bulky waste like mattresses.

Here’s what you need to know…

• Householders are legally responsible for ensuring their waste is disposed of by a licensed carrier.
• Mattresses dumped illegally (even by a rogue contractor) can still result in a large fine.
• All skip companies must be registered with the Environment Agency – check the licence before you book.
• In London, many boroughs are cracking down on mattress fly-tipping, especially in communal housing blocks.

ProSkip is a fully licensed waste carrier and skip hire operator. We handle all compliance, so you’re legally covered from start to finish when disposing of your mattress.

Why Choose ProSkip?

When it comes to mattress disposal via skip, ProSkip makes it easy, legal and low-stress. Here’s why thousands of homeowners and businesses across London trust us.

• Over 20 years of industry experience.

• Same-day or next-day delivery available across Greater London.
• Permits sorted for you. No paperwork, no council chasing.
• Friendly, expert advice from real people (not call centres).
• Eco-conscious operations – we’re serious about reducing landfill.
• Easy online booking with up-front prices.

No matter if you’re clearing one mattress or twenty, we’ve got the right skip for the job, and the knowledge to back it up.

Final Thoughts – Skip the Hassle, Skip the Mattress

Disposing of a mattress doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or illegal. With the right approach and the right skip hire company, it’s simple.

Hiring a skip from ProSkip gives you the freedom to dispose of bulky waste like mattresses without lifting a finger. We take care of the logistics, permits and legal requirements so you don’t have to.

So if you’re wondering how to dispose of a mattress in the UK the smart way – this is it.

Ready To Book Your Skip?

Visit Proskip’s Online Booking Page 

or 

Call Our Expert At 02088799892