How To Get Rid of Your Mattress (and Other Items)

It may be too early for spring cleaning, but Salt Lake City changed their trash pickup schedule this week, and it has us looking around the house at the junk that’s piling up. Do you know how to get rid of that old mattress or dead batteries? Bookmark this trash guide for reference.

Clothes

Consider donating your new or gently used clothing. Big Brothers Big Sisters Utah has conveniently placed clothing bins around the Salt Lake Valley.

Batteries

People often wonder if it’s safe to throw out batteries. Alkaline batteries are safe to throw out in the trash as long as you place them in a cardboard box or plastic container. Other types of batteries, especially reusable batteries, require special recycling and can be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

Green Waste or Bulk Items

If you need to get rid of green waste or bulky items, like an old mattress, Salt Lake City residents can request Call 2 Haul twice a year. Arrange a pickup date, and your items will be collected curbside. You can even organize a group collection with your neighbors.

Medications

If you’re throwing away prescription drugs, it’s recommended to mix the pills with something like used coffee grounds or kitty litter. You can also drop it off at a medication disposal kiosk. Don’t dump any unused medications down the toilet or drain.

If you’re unsure how to toss something specific, check out the nifty tool at Wasatch Front Waste. Type in the item, and they’ll give you the info on how to properly dispose of it.

🎧 Bonus listening: What you can and can’t recycle in Salt Lake.