How to Get Rid of a Mattress: The Complete Guide to Mattress Disposal

So the new mattress has arrived, and now you are standing there staring at the old one, wondering what on earth you are supposed to do with it. You cannot exactly fold it up and pop it in the bin. It is too big to ignore. And just dragging it to the curb and hoping for the best probably won't work either. If you are trying to figure out how to get rid of a mattress without it becoming a week-long headache, this is the guide you need.

We are going to walk through every single option available to you. Free options. Paid options. Eco-friendly options, City-specific options. Whether your mattress is in great condition or barely holding together, there is a right way to handle it, and this guide covers all of them.

First Things First: Does Your Mattress Actually Need to Go?

Before we talk about disposal, it is worth spending 30 seconds to make sure you actually need a new mattress. Because buying a new one is a significant purchase, and sometimes people replace a mattress out of habit or marketing pressure rather than genuine need.

The general guidance is that most mattresses should be replaced somewhere between 7 and 10 years,s depending on the type. Memory foam and latex mattresses last 12 to 15 years if well cared for. Innerspring mattresses tend to wear out faster, usually around 6 to 8 years.

But the number of years matters less than how the mattress is actually performing. Here are the real signs that it is time to go.

• You wake up with back pain or stiffness that goes away after you have been up for a while
• The mattress has a visible sag or permanent body impression in the middle
• You can feel the springs through the surface when you lie down
• The mattress makes noise when you move
• You sleep better on hotel beds or on other people's mattresses
• There are stains or smells that cleaning has not been able to shift
• Your sleep situation has changed significantly, such as a new partner, weight change, or injury

If several of those are true, it is time. Now, let us talk about what to do with the old one.

The Five Ways to Dispose of a Mattress

There are five main routes you can take when getting rid of an old mattress. Each one has its own pros and cons,s and the right choice depends on the condition of your mattress, where you live, and how much effort you want to put in.

The five options are donation, recycling, retailer haul away, municipal bulk pickup, and private junk removal. We are going to go through each one in detail so you can make the right call for your situation.

Option One: Donate Your Mattress

If your mattress is still in reasonable condition, donating it is genuinely the best thing you can do with it. Someone gets a bed they need, the mattress stays out of the landfill, and you feel good about how you handled it. Win all round.

But here is the thing that a lot of donation guides skip over. Not every mattress is suitable for donation. Charities and shelters have become much stricter about what they accept in recent years, partly for hygiene reasons and partly because they lack the storage space for mattresses past their useful life.

Is Your Mattress Actually Donatable?

Before you call anyone, give your mattress an honest once-over. Most organizations will not accept a mattress that has any of the following.

• Stains of any kind, including small ones
• Any smell at all, whether from pets, smoke, or general use
• Signs of bed bugs or any other infestation
• Visible mould or mildew
• Broken or protruding springs
• Significant sagging or permanent body impressions
• Rips, tears, or holes in the cover

A good way to assess this honestly is to ask yourself whether you would want to receive that mattress if you were in need. If the answer is no, it is not ready for donation.

If the mattress has minor surface issues, try spot cleaning it first. A solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap can lift many stains. Baking soda left overnight absorbs odours well. If the mattress passes the sniff test and looks presentable after cleaning, it may well be accepted.

Where to Donate a Mattress

There are more options than most people realize. Here are the main ones worth trying.

Goodwill is one of the most well-known donation organizations in the United States, but their mattress policies vary significantly by location. Some branches accept mattresses in good condition, and some offer home pickup. Call your local branch first to ask about their specific requirements.

Habitat for Humanity runs a chain of thrift stores called ReStore that accepts home furnishings, including mattresses. Proceeds fund their housing projects. Again, policies vary by location, so call ahead.

The Furniture Bank Association of America operates over 80 furniture banks across the US that provide furniture at low or no cost to families in need. They generally accept mattresses in good condition, and many offer pickup within a 20-mile radius of their locations.

Local homeless shelters and women's shelters often have a genuine need for beds, particularly twin and full-size beds. A quick Google search for shelters in your area will give you contact details. Call them directly,y as their websites are often not up to date on what they need.

Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and various local churches and community organizations also take mattresses in some locations. If you are struggling to find a taker, websites like Donation Town let you search for organizations in your zip code that accept mattress donations.

Do not overlook the option of giving it away directly to someone you know or through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Freecycle, or Craigslist. Post it as free and be honest about its condition. There is almost always someone who can use a free mattress.

Option Two: Recycle Your Mattress

If donation is not an option because your mattress is past the point of being useful to someone else, recycling is the next best thing. And the case for recycling is genuinely compelling.

Around 20 million mattresses end up in landfills every year in the US alone. Each one takes up to 40 cubic feet of space. They do not break down quickly, and they leave behind materials that leach into the soil. The good news is that between 80 and 90 percent of a mattress can actually be recycled. The steel springs become scrap metal. The foam gets repurposed into carpet padding or new foam products. The fabric is processed into industrial materials. The wood becomes mulch or is used for fuel.

How to Find a Mattress Recycling Centre

The easiest starting point is Earth 911, which runs one of the largest recycling databases in North America. You can search by material and zip code to find recycling facilities near you that accept mattresses. Their hotline at 1-800-CLEANUP is also useful if you prefer to call.

If you live in California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island,d you are in luck. These three states have Extended Producer Responsibility programs in place that make mattress recycling either free or very low-cost. The Bye Bye Mattress program, run by the Mattress Recycling Council, operates in these states and provides a searchable database of drop-off locations and pickup services.

For everyone else, check your local municipal website for information on bulk-item recycling. Many cities hold periodic events to collect large items, including mattresses, for recycling. Some areas have transfer stations or waste management facilities that accept mattresses for a small fee, usually between $25 and $50.

DIY Mattress Recycling

If you cannot find a facility near you that accepts whole mattresses, there is still a DIY option worth considering if you have the time and tools.

Breaking a mattress down into its parts allows you to recycle or repurpose each material separately. The steel springs from an innerspring mattress can be taken to a local scrap metal dealer. Some will actually pay you for them. The foam layers can be cut up and used as garden kneeling pads, pet beds, or packing materials. The wood frame can be taken to a wood recycler or used in the garden as a raised bed frame. The fabric can be repurposed as cleaning rags or stuffing material.

It takes an hour or two and a utility knife or box cutter to break a mattress down this way. It is not glamorous, but if landfill is your only other option, it is worth the effort.

Mattress Upcycling Ideas

Some people take the DIY approach a step further by upcycling parts of the mattress into something new. This is not for everyone,e but if you enjoy craft or DIY projects,s it is worth knowing what is possible.

Steel springs from an innerspring mattress have been used to make wine racks, jewellery holders, photo displays, and decorative wall art. The wood frame from a box spring makes a surprisingly good raised garden bed for herbs or vegetables. Foam can be repurposed into a thick yoga mat or an outdoor garden kneeling pad. None of this takes much space,l and it keeps materials out of the landfill entirely.

Option Three: Retailer Haul Away

This is the most convenient option by far if you are buying a new mattress at the same time. Many mattress retailers offer old-mattress removal as part of their delivery service, and some do so for free.

When you are shopping for a new mattress, always ask whether haul-away is available and what it costs. Some retailers include it as a free incentive. Others charge a modest fee, usually between $15 and $50. It is almost always worth paying because it removes the entire problem in one step. The delivery crew arrives, brings in your new mattress, and takes away the old one. Done.

Mattress Firm, one of the largest mattress retailers in the US, does offer haul-away on many purchases. Purple, Saatva, and several other online mattress brands also provide this option in certain areas. The availability can vary by location and delivery method, so confirm it when you order rather than assuming.

The retailer-haul-away option also benefits from the fact that many mattress companies have partnerships with recycling facilities, meaning your old mattress is more likely to be recycled than if it went through other disposal routes.

Option Four: Municipal Bulk Pickup

Most cities and towns offer some form of bulk-item pickup for large items that cannot fit in the regular bin. Mattresses usually qualify, but the rules vary widely depending on where you live.

In some places, bulk pickup happens on a scheduled day once or twice a month. In others, you need to book it in advance and pay a small fee. Some municipalities require you to have the item out by a specific time, and in some cities, there are rules about how the mattress needs to be prepared before it is collected.

The most important thing is to check your specific local rules before you put anything out. Leaving a mattress on the curb without following the correct procedure can result in a fine in many cities. A quick search for your city name plus "bulk trash pickup" or "large item disposal" will usually take you to the right page on your local government website.

Preparing a Mattress for Curbside Pickup

In many places, mattresses need to be wrapped in plastic before they are put out for collection. This rule exists primarily to prevent the spread of bed bugs. In some cities, a standard plastic mattress bag is required. These are available cheaply online and at most home improvement stores.

If your city does not require plastic, but you want to be considerate of the collection workers, wrapping it is a good idea anyway. Seal the plastic with packing tape so it stays on during collection.

Option Five: Junk Removal Services

If none of the above options work for your situation, a private junk removal service is your backup. These are companies that will come to your home, physically remove the mattress, and dispose of it on your behalf.

The cost varies depending on your location and the company,y but typically runs between $50 and $150 for a single mattress. Get a few quotes before committing and read reviews. The better companies will tell you where the mattress goes, whether to a recycling facility, a donation centre, or a landfill. Prefer a company that prioritizes recycling or donation over landfill if you have the choice.

Well-known services in the US include 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Junk King, and College Hunks Hauling Junk. Many local junk removal companies also offer competitive rates and may be more flexible about scheduling.

Can You Put a Mattress in a Dumpster?

This comes up a lot, and the honest answer is: it depends, but usually no.

Dumpsters are private property. Throwing a mattress into someone else's dumpster without permission is illegal in most places,s and you could face a fine. Even if you are renting a dumpster, many rental companies specifically exclude mattresses from what is allowed inside because of the space they take up and the difficulty of compacting them.

If you are renting a dumpster for a renovation or cleanout, call the company first and ask specifically whether mattresses are allowed. Some say yes for an extra charge. Others say no outright. Do not assume.

Can You Take a Mattress to the Dump?

In many areas, yes, you can, but usually for a fee. Local transfer stations and waste management facilities often accept mattresses as a special item. The fee is typically between $25 and $75, depending on the facility and the size of the mattress.

Call ahead before you load the mattress into your vehicle and drive to the location. Not all facilities accept the m, and you do not want to discover this after you have wrestled the thing into your car. Ask about hours, fees, and whether you need to bring anything specific, like proof of residency.

From an environmental perspective, this is the least preferable option. Landfill should genuinely be the last resort after donation and recycling have been tried and ruled out.

How to Dispose of a Mattress for Free

Money is tight for a lot of people, and paying to get rid of something you no longer want can feel particularly frustrating. The good news is that there are several genuinely free options.

Donation is free, and some organizations even offer free pickup. Posting a free item on Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, Nextdoor, or Craigslist usually gets a response within a few hours if the mattress is in decent condition.

Municipal bulk pickup is often free or very low-cost. Check what your city offers before spending money on a private service.

If you live in California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, the state-run EPR recycling programs make mattress recycling free or nearly free. If you are buying a new mattress, negotiating free haul-away with the purchase is also a perfectly reasonable ask, and many retailers will say yes.

Finally, if the mattress is in very poor condition, breaking it down yourself and taking the components to separate recycling facilities, particularly the steel springs, to a scrap dealer, can actually earn you a small amount rather than costing you anything.

How to Dispose of a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses have a slightly different disposal situation from standard innerspring mattresses. Not all recycling centres that accept innerspring mattresses will accept memory foam, as it requires different processing.

For donation, the same rules apply as with any other mattress. If it is in good condition, clean, odour-free, manufacturers will take it. Memory foam does hold onto smells more than other mattress types, so make sure it passes a sniff test before assuming it is donatable.

For recycling, look for foam-specific recyclers in your area. Some foam manufacturers and recycling facilities process memory foam into carpet underlay, gym mats, and insulation material. Earth 911 is a good resource for finding these facilities.

If recycling is not available locally, memory foam can be cut into pieces fairly easily and repurposed. Pieces of memory foam make excellent pet beds, kneeling pads for gardening, or padding for shipping fragile items.

How to Dispose of a Box Spring

Box springs often need to go at the same time as the mattress, but they are a separate item, and some facilities treat them differently.

Moshaul-awayay services and recycling centres will take both together. If you are using municipal pickup, check whether they accept box springs on the same collection or whether they need to be scheduled separately.

Box springs contain steel springs and wood framing, both of which are recyclable. The steel springs can be taken to a scrap metal dealer, and in some areas, you will actually get paid for them. The wood frame can be taken to a wood recycler or a composting facility. If you are breaking both the mattress and the box spring down yourself, they can be processed together.

City-Specific Mattress Disposal: What You Need to Know

How to Dispose of a Mattress in NYC

New York City has some of the most specific rules around mattress disposal in the country. This is largely because of the city's long-running battle with bed bug infestations.

In NYC, mattresses and box springs must be completely sealed in an airtight plastic mattress bag before being placed out for DSNY collection. This is not optional. It is a legal requirement. Mattress bags are available at hardware stores, moving supply shops, and online. Once sealed with packing tape, the mattress can be placed at the curb with your regular bulk trash.

NYC also offers bulk-item collection through the Department of Sanitation. You can schedule a pickup for large items through their website. There are also several drop-off events and recycling programmes available throughout the five boroughs.

If you live in NYCHA housing, there may be specific arrangements in place for mattress disposal. Contact your building management for guidance.

Mattress Disposal in Chicago

Chicago residents can dispose of mattresses through the city's Large Item Pickup programme. Residents are entitled to two large item pickups per year, free of charge. Book your pickup through the city's website or by calling 311.

Chicago also has several mattress recycling options through private companies. The city has been expanding its recycling infrastructure,e and some recycling centres in the area accept mattresses. Check the city's recycling portal for current options.

Mattress Disposal in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, Republic Services handles most residential waste collection. Bulky-item pickup is available but must be scheduled in advance. Contact Republic Services or your local municipality to book a collection and confirm the current fee, if any.

Several junk removal companies operate in Las Vegas and offer competitive rates for mattress haul-away. Las Vegas also has several charity shops and donation centres that accept mattresses in good condition.

Mattress Disposal in Houston

Houston provides a Bulky Item pickup service for residents. You can schedule a pickup through the city's Solid Waste Management Department website or by calling 311. Houston also has Neighbourhood Depositories and Recycling Centres across the city where residents can drop off large items, including mattresses.

The Houston area also has several mattress retailers that offer haul-away services when delivering new mattresses, which is often the most convenient option.

Mattress Disposal in Fresno

Fresno residents can use the city's curbside bulky item pickup service. Contact Fresno Sanitation at their main number or through the city website to schedule a collection. Fresno also has a household hazardous waste and bulky item drop-off facility that accepts mattresses.

Can You Sell a Used Mattress?

Technically, yes, selling a used mattress is legal in most places. But practically speaking, it is a harder sell than you might expect.

People are understandably cautious about buying a used mattress for hygiene reasons. The market is there, but it is limited. If your mattress is relatively young, in excellent condition, from a premium brand, and has been very well cared for, you might get some interest on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Be completely honest in your listing about its age and condition. Include clear photos. Price it very modestly, probably 20 to 30 percent of what a comparable new mattress costs at most.

If the mattress is older, stained, or showing any wear, its resale value is close to zero. Your time is better spent on donating or recycling than trying to sell something unlikely to attract a buyer.

How to Sterilize a Used Mattress

Whether you are preparing a mattress for donation, accepting a used mattress from someone, or buying a second-hand one, knowing how to clean and sanitize it properly is useful.

Start by vacuuming the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides. This removes dust, dead skin cells, pet hair, and any loose debris. Use an upholstery attachment if you have one.

Spot clean any visible stains using a solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. Spray it on, leave for 15 minutes, then blot with a clean dry towel. For odours, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire mattress and leave it for 8 to 24 hours before vacuuming it all up.

For the most thorough sanitizing, get the mattress into direct sunlight for several hours. UV rays from the sun naturally kill bacteria, dust mites, and mould spores. If you can, get it outside and leave it there for a full day. If not, position it near a large south-facing window.

For a mattress with a known bed bug issue, surface cleaning alone is insufficient. Professional pest control or a commercial heat treatment is needed. This is generally not worth the cost and effort for an old mattress that needs replacing anyway.

How Much Does Mattress Disposal Cost?

Here is a straightforward breakdown of the typical costs involved in each disposal route.

Donation is completely free. Some organizations even offer free pickup from your home, which makes it one of the best deals available.

Municipal bulk pickup ranges from free to around $30, depending on your city. Many municipalities offer this as part of the services covered by your local taxes.

Recycling centre drop-off is usually free to $25. In EPR states like California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, it is free or nearly free through the state programme.

Retailer haul-away typically costs $0 to $50, with many retailers offering it free as part of a delivery package or for a small fee.

Junk removal services usually run $50 to $150 for a single mattress. Prices vary by company and location.

Transfer station or dump fees generally range from $25 to $75, depending on your local facility.

If budget is a concern, start with the free options. Donation and municipal pickup are both free and handle the vast majority of situations.

The Environmental Case for Doing This Right

It is easy to treat mattress disposal as a logistical problem to solve as quickly as possible. But it is worth pausing for a moment on the environmental side of this.

Every mattress that goes to a landfill sits there for decades. The foam does not break down quickly. The springs rust, but do not disappear. The fabric deteriorates and releases fibres. And each one takes up an enormous amount of landfill space that could be used for waste that genuinely has no other option.

When you donate a mattress, you extend its useful life and prevent one more from being manufactured. When you recycle it, the materials go back into the supply chain rather than being buried underground. Neither option requires much extra effort compared to just putting it on the curb. But the difference in outcome is significant.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, reducing and reusing materials before recycling and disposing of them is the most environmentally effective approach. For a mattress, that means donation first, recycling second, and landfill as an absolute last resort.

Related Guides

For everything you need to know about donating your mattress, visit our guide.

If free disposal is your priority, our guide to getting rid of a mattress for free covers every no-cost option available.

For recycling specifically, see our guide to recycling a mattress.

New York City residents can find all the specific rules in our guide to disposing of a mattress in NYC.

If you are wondering whether the dump is an option, see our guide, Can You Take a Mattress to the Dump?

Conclusion

Getting rid of an old mattress is one of those jobs that feels more complicated than it actually is. Once you know your options, it becomes straightforward.

If the mattress is still in decent shape, donate it. Someone genuinely needs it, and it costs you nothing. If it is past donation, recycle it. Between 80 and 90 percent of a mattress can be recycled, and keeping it out of a landfill is worth the small extra effort. If you are buying a new mattress at the same time, ask the retailer about haul-away and let them handle the whole thing for you.

And if none of those work for your situation, municipal bulk pickup and junk removal services are reliable backups that most people can access with little difficulty.

The one thing to avoid is dumping it on the curb without checking your local rules first. It can result in a fine and is rarely the most responsible option when better options are available.

Mattress disposal is a one-day job at most. Pick the option that fits your situation, follow through, and you are done. Then enjoy your new mattress knowing the old one has been handled properly.