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I sold an antique bed frame, but the buyer wouldn't take the authentic bedding my parents had custom made for it 35 years ago. They were never used and there are two feather-filled mattresses and a straw foundation (people are so afraid of "bugs", but even if they had bugs, they are so old and never having been used, anything in them would have starved to death long ago). Seems a shame to just throw them out... I don't think they'd even fit in my garbage bin. I've already advertised them for free on Free-Cycle and on Craig's List as well as in local classified ads, but so far, no nibbles. What should I do?

I'd contact your trash pick up company and ask if you can leave them out with the garbage for pick up. Ours does without a seperate fee if we let them know of a large object in advance.

I am not surprised people rejected the mattress for health reasons even tho you may feel they're not an issue.

Could the humane society use something like this? How about Red Cross shelters?

Feather mattresses for dogs and cats to chew on? Doubt the humane society will take them, and Red Cross couldn't take them for the same health dept. reasons. You may be able to salvage the fabric from the covers. After washing the fabric, could you then make pillows or something from the feathers? I doubt the straw will be useful unless you remade them as pet beds for your own pets. Good luck.

Let them go. - no one wants something that old owned by someone else,even tho they were good enough for your parents? I can just see and smell the yrs of dust and allergens in them after 35 yrs. My MIL passed away in July and the charity we had take all her furnishings wouldn't take her mattress even tho it was 5 yrs old. They did take the box springs.

If I lived closer I would gladly come get them! I'd make pillows from the feather beds.
Are there any craft groups near you? They might like them...or even someone at a Senior center might like them for crafts too.
I hate to see perfectly good things like that just go into our landfills.

Do you have a local furniture store where you deal? Ours would come and get these items--we'd certainly pay for time/gas, etc.

You'd be surprised how many species survive, even thrive, in dry straw and dry feathers.

The straw has definately broken down over the years. It needs to be discarded. The same for the feathers.

The fabric has probably gotten dry rot and will be easy to tear open, or cut it open. You can use the straw as mulch around your home, or put it in with the yard waste. The feathers are a little harder. Maybe put them in plastic grocery bags, tie the bags shut, and throw one or two in your trash each week.

Only 35 years old, custom made and never used? I don't think you have to worry about rot or insects if they have been in the house. I'm sure the right person would love to have them. Thinking out of the box, you might be able to sell them with a commission through an antique dealer, or even give them away through a dealer. I'm also one that can't stand to throw away a perfectly good item if someone could use it.

When my mother died, I took all the bedding that was used and donated it to a local animal shelter. They always need towels, blankets, etc.

16paws ~ Hey, I found you! I just happened to visit here. Code Blue ~ you are wanted on the Gardening Board!!

Why was it custom made and never used? If no one on Freecycle and Craigslist has asked for it, that speaks volumes! They take practically anything!!! I guess everyone is afraid to use other people's mattresses. It is Unsanitary. Would you take someone else's 35 y.o. bedding? I would offer it to animal shelters and if they don't want it, kiss it goodbye and toss it. Take a photo of it first for memory sake if you want to!

I found a taker for the feather mattresses on Free Cycle and a taker for the straw-filled foundation on Craig's list. It took a while.