Ask the Mayor: What’s the Proper Way to Dispose of a Mattress?

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Women Helping Women renovated shelter dedication and blessing, March 31, 2015. Photo by Lisa Villiarimo.

Hello:

Q: I wanted to inquire about what options are available for disposing of a mattress that is no longer needed. I looked at the recycling information on the county website, but could not find a location that would accept a mattress. It seemed to be the case with all of the island thrift/second-hand stores as well. What options are available?

A: The reality is that not all items we no longer need are recyclable, and depending on the condition it’s in, a mattress sometimes falls in that category.

If it’s in good condition, you can check whether a local shelter might be able to use a donated mattress.

You can also try to sell it at a yard sale or put it out on the street with a “free” sign. (If you do, however, please be considerate of your neighbors by removing the mattress quickly if it appears no one is interested.)

If the mattress is not in good condition or you cannot find a home for it, it will need to be disposed of at the landfill. It should not be left out in the elements or dumped because it can become a fire hazard.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.