What To Do With Old Box Springs: Disposal + Repurposing Tips

How To Get Rid of a Box Spring:

• Dispose: Schedule a bulky item pick-up, take it to a recycling center, or dispose of it at a landfill.
• Recycle: Disassemble the box spring and recycle the metal and wood components.
• Repurpose: Transform the box spring into a garden bed or bookshelf, or use the metal springs for DIY crafts.

Upgrading your mattress or bed foundation is an exciting step towards better sleep, but you might be wondering what to do with your old box spring. Below, we’ll explain how to dispose of a box spring you no longer need (which is the case if you’re upgrading to a Purple since Purple mattresses do not require a box spring), plus share some creative uses for old box springs if you’re feeling crafty.

Our collection of bed frames are designed to make the most of your mattress. With solid, silent support in every model, Purple bed frames perfectly complement your Purple mattress without the need for a box spring. 

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How To Get Rid of a Box Spring

If you’re unsure where to take old box springs, you have a few options. And as a bonus, they don’t cost anything. Here’s how to get rid of a mattress and box spring for free if you’ve decided it’s time to replace your box spring. 

Put It Out With Your Trash

Many neighborhoods and municipalities have designated large-item pick-up days when you can set out large or bulky items to be picked up with your trash. Remember that this may not be available everywhere, so call your local trash provider and verify before taking bulky items out to the curb.

Take It to a Recycling Center

If your local recycling center accepts bulky items, you can transport your box spring there for proper disposal. Some centers may even offer recycling options for specific materials within the box spring, such as metal springs or wooden frames.

If you can’t transport the entire box spring, consider disassembling it. The metal springs can often be recycled at scrap metal yards, and the wooden frame can be used for firewood or mulch. 

Bring It to a Landfill

If recycling or bulky item pick-up isn’t an option, you can also haul your box spring to a local landfill. Make sure it’s secure during transport, and call the landfill before you ask about any specific procedures (or fees, if applicable). 

Schedule a Pick-Up

Many areas offer bulky item pick-up services, making box spring removal (or mattress removal) a breeze. Simply call your local trash service provider to request this service and schedule a pickup day. 

Sell the Box Spring

If your box spring is still in good condition, consider selling it to someone who can use it. You can post it for sale on online marketplaces or local buy-sell groups. Plenty of people are looking for affordable furniture, and sites like Facebook Marketplace are great options. 

Donate to a Charitable Organization

Before getting rid of your box spring, consider donating it to a charitable organization. Many charities and non-profit organizations may accept used box springs to help furnish homes for others in need. Be sure to call the organization to ask if they accept box springs before you bring it in. 

5 Creative Uses for Old Box Springs

Some use a box spring to make their bed taller, but as the box spring wears out, so does its ability to support the weight of the mattress. If you’re looking to get creative, the old box spring ideas below show you how to upcycle your old box spring. With a little imagination and DIY skills, you can create something new and functional. Wear gloves when working with a box spring, as it contains metal coils and other potentially harmful materials.  

Book Shelves

While your old box spring may not help fix a sagging mattress, you can repurpose it into a functional bookshelf. Adding shelves to the frame allows you to create a unique storage solution for your books, magazines, and other belongings. You can paint or stain the frame to match your decor. 

Garden Bed or Trellis

Transform your old box spring into a raised garden bed or trellis for climbing plants. The sturdy frame provides great support for soil and plants, and the height can help deter pests or rodents. Fill the box spring with soil and plant your favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables. 

Alternatively, you can use the frame as a trellis for climbing plants like vines or peas. Just secure the frame to a sturdy surface and add some twine or wire for the plants to climb on.

Wood Furniture

If you’re extra handy and your box spring has a wooden frame, you can salvage the wood and use it to create new furniture pieces. With some woodworking skills, you can craft outdoor tables, chairs, or indoor furniture like shelves or coffee tables. You can sand, stain, or paint the wood to match whatever style you choose. You can also salvage the wood from your old bed slats.

Hanging Organizer

For a practical way to save space and keep your things organized, repurpose the metal coils from a box spring into a hanging organizer for your kitchen or garage. By attaching the coils to a wall, you can hang pots, pans, tools, or other items. Give the coils a coat of paint for a polished look, or leave them natural for something more industrial. 

Rustic Spring Crafts

Use your old box spring’s metal springs to create different rustic crafts and home decor projects. For example, you can bend the springs into a circular shape and wrap them with twine and ribbon to create a unique wreath, or coil the bed spring and attach a base to create a rustic base for flowers. 

How To Break Down a Box Spring for Recycling

Now that you know what to do with an old box spring, here’s how to break it down:

1. Gather safety equipment: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from dust and splinters.
2. Remove reinforcements and covers: Using a screwdriver or pliers, remove any metal reinforcements or fabric covers attached to the box spring.
3. Pull out staples: Use pliers or a staple remover to carefully extract any staples holding the fabric or padding in place.
4. Remove lining and padding: Use scissors to cut away the lining and padding material.
5. Separate boards from springs: Disconnect the wooden frame from the metal spring coils.
6. Take apart wooden frame: Disassemble the wooden frame into smaller pieces for easier recycling or disposal.

Support Your Mattress With the Best Bed Frames From Purple

Whether you recycle, upcycle, or donate, there are plenty of options for what to do with an old box spring. If you’re ready to upgrade to a Purple bed frame or replace your mattress, you won’t need a new box spring. The GelFlex® Grid found within every Purple mattress provides the perfect balance of support and pressure relief on its own, though you can use a flat bed foundation for added height.

Customizable Comfort

Purple adjustable bases allow you to elevate your head and feet with presets and custom settings to maximize comfort.

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