Old box springs may take up too much space in your home.If you want to get rid of your box spring, you can either throw it away or break it down yourself.Make sure to follow local waste rules if you want to have the extra space it was taking up.
Step 1: Call the waste department to see if you can put the box spring on the curb.
There is a large or bulky item collection period in many cities.You can contact your local waste management either over the phone or on their website.The box spring needs to be in front of your house on the first day of the pick-up period.Box springs will not be picked up during trash collection.
Step 2: Pick up can be done over the phone or online.
Box springs larger than 4 ft should be called in so they can be transported correctly.You can schedule appointments up to 4 weeks in advance.Waste disposal services may not be available on days when the weather is bad.The box should be put out the night before your pick up.Private waste companies can pick up box springs for a fee.You don't need to schedule an appointment if your city has a bulk collection period.
Step 3: Put the box spring in the bag.
The bags make it easier to transport the box spring.Put your box in the bag and fold it over to seal it.New York City fines anyone who leaves a mattress or box spring outside without covering it.You can buy mattress bags at furniture or moving supply stores for $10USD.
Step 4: If you can transport the box yourself, drop it off at the landfill.
If you can get rid of your box spring at your local waste site, contact it.If it's allowed, bring the box to the location and throw it away.Many landfills charge a fee for disposal.There are limits on how many box springs you can throw away.
Step 5: If your city has a recycling service, you can have it collect your box spring.
If your department of health or public works has a recycling program, you can drop off your box spring there.Many components inside a box spring can be recycled for different purposes, such as melting the steel to make new parts and chipping the wood to use as animal bedding.If your box spring is in good shape, you can donate it.You can find the closest donation locations on websites like RecycleSearch.
Step 6: Use a utility knife to cut the bottom of the box spring.
If you flip the box spring, you'll see it's upside-down.You don't have to move the box spring if you have enough room to work around it.The lining should be removed by running your knife around the edges.The wood frame should be exposed.If they go dull, keep extra blades with you.
Step 7: Remove the sides of the box spring by running your blade around the edges.
The wood frame on the short sides of the box spring is where you should start your blade.Pull the fabric off the sides.The metal springs can be seen if the fabric is removed from every side of the box.Keep your hands out of the way.
Step 8: The wooden supports should be removed with a claw hammer.
The box spring has wooden supports on it.Pull the hammer's handle towards your body to remove the boards.Before removing the boards in the center, you need to remove the supports from each side.There is a metal support in the center of the box spring.If it is there, take this support off.
Step 9: Pull the top fabric out of the springs.
The padding and the rest of the fabric can be removed by lifting the box spring up.Once you have removed the fabric, throw it away.The box springs can be heavy.If you can't do it yourself, ask someone to help.
Step 10: The box spring components should be thrown away.
If you want to throw away the components of your broken down box spring, you can put them in a garbage bin.Contact your local waste department to find out how to properly dispose of the larger pieces.Put the components in large garbage bags.The metal springs can be thrown away during a bulk collection period.