Bring back mattress amnesty and throw in old couches

A free drop-off in Laois for unwanted old mattresses in 2018 was a success and a repeat has been called for.

The Mattress Amnesty by Laois County Council took in 822 old mattresses from the public, funded by a €10,000 government grant.

A repeat is needed, with couches thrown in, says Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

She tabled a motion to the March council meeting.

“The mattress amnesty was a great success. It was held in Portarlington, Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Graiguecullen. Surely that saved the Local Authority from pulling mattresses out of ditches. We all know the amount that illegal dumping is costing Laois County Council annually. I ask that it be rolled out again,” she said.

She asked that while businesses are not allowed to participate, that volunteer groups helping vulnerable or elderly people could be permitted.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr John King said “next we will be doing house clearances”.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly suggested that people contact the St Vincent de Paul charity before they dump couches.

Mattress disposal at Kyletalesha landfill costs €15 for a single and €20 for double.