textiles, foam, wood
Confidence: high · Place: Germany · Last checked: September 2026
Why
- Mattresses belong to bulky waste and must not be disposed of in general waste or Wertstofftonne (recycling bin).
- You can register them for bulky waste collection in your community or take them to a Wertstoffhof (recycling centre) free of charge.
- Some communities offer free disposal or collection campaigns for mattresses.
Exact collection dates and possible costs may vary depending on the community.
varies by communityBefore you throw it away
- Remove the cover if necessary and check whether individual materials need to be disposed of separately.
What you can make from it
Mattress Topper
- Cut the foam into suitable pieces.
- Cover the pieces with a fabric cover.
- Use the topper as additional padding for your bed or sofa.
Garden Cushions
- Cut the cover into suitable pieces for garden furniture.
- Fill the pieces with foam or other soft material.
- Sew the edges and use them as cushions for garden chairs or benches.