Where To Get Rid Of Old Mattress

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You need to know where to get rid of old mattress. It’s a common problem when you’re upgrading your bed or moving house. An old mattress is bulky and can’t just go out with the weekly trash. This guide will walk you through all your options, from donation and recycling to professional removal. We’ll cover the costs, preparation steps, and how to choose the best method for your situation.

Where To Get Rid Of Old Mattress

Your main options fall into a few clear categories. Each has it’s own pros and cons depending on your mattress condition, budget, and local services. Let’s break down the most common paths you can take.

1. Donating Your Old Mattress

If your mattress is still in decent shape, donation is a great choice. It keeps it out of the landfill and helps someone in need. Many charities will even pick it up from your home for free.

Before you donate, check these condition requirements:

  • No stains, tears, or noticeable damage.
  • Free of bed bugs, mold, or any odors.
  • It must be structurally sound (no sagging or broken springs).

Where to donate:

  • Local Charities: Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity ReStore often accept mattresses. Always call your local branch first to confirm.
  • Homeless Shelters & Domestic Violence Shelters: These organizations are often in direct need of bedding. Your donation makes an immediate impact.
  • Furniture Banks: These are non-profits that specifically collect furniture for families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis.
  • Online Giveaway Groups: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, or Buy Nothing groups let you offer the mattress for free pickup.

2. Mattress Recycling Services

Recycling is the best eco-friendly option for mattresses that are to worn for donation. Up to 85% of a mattress’s materials can be recycled. Steel springs become scrap metal, foam is used for carpet padding, and wood is chipped.

Finding a recycler:

  • Municipal Programs: Check you’re city or county waste management website. Many offer bulk waste pick-up days or have a designated drop-off facility.
  • Mattress Retailers: When you buy a new mattress, most companies will haul away your old one for a small fee (often $20-$100). They typically partner with recyclers.
  • Dedicated Recycling Companies: Search online for “mattress recycling near me.” Some are non-profits, while others are private companies charging a fee.

3. Using Bulk Trash Pickup

Many municipal trash services offer bulk item collection. This is a convenient, often low-cost option. It’s not always the most environmentally friendly, as the mattress may end up in a landfill.

How to arrange it:

  1. Contact your local waste management provider or visit their website.
  2. Schedule a pickup (this might be a specific day of the month or require an appointment).
  3. Pay any required fee, which can range from free to over $50.
  4. Follow their rules for placement (e.g., curbside by 7 AM, not wrapped in plastic).

4. Hiring a Junk Removal Service

Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Junk King, or local haulers will do all the heavy lifting. This is the easiest, but most expensive, option. They usually charge based on the volume of junk, and a mattress often takes up a significant portion of their truck.

What to expect:

  • You get an online or phone quote.
  • They come to your home and carry the mattress away.
  • They responsibly dispose of it, often prioritizing recycling over landfill.
  • Costs typically range from $100 to $200 for a mattress and box spring.

5. Selling or Giving it Away Online

If your mattress has life left, someone might buy it or take it for free. Be honest about it’s condition in your listing to avoid problems.

Best platforms for this:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craigslist
  • OfferUp
  • Nextdoor

Always prioritize safety. Meet in a public place if possible, or have someone with you during pickup at your home.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Mattress for Disposal

No matter which method you choose, proper prep is key. It protects workers and ensures a smooth process.

  1. Clean It: Wipe down the surface with a mild disinfectant. Let it dry completely.
  2. Check for Pests: Ensure there are no signs of bed bugs. If there is, you must disclose this to any service or recycler.
  3. Transport It Safely: If you’re dropping it off, secure it to your vehicle with strong straps and cover it with a tarp.
  4. Follow Specific Rules: Some recyclers require you to remove the fabric cover. Some bulk pickup services require it to be wrapped. Always check.

Cost Comparison of Different Disposal Methods

Cost is a major factor. Here’s a rough guide to what you might pay:

  • Donation: Usually free. Some charities may ask for a small donation to cover fuel for pickup.
  • Retailer Take-Back: $20 – $100, usually bundled with your new mattress delivery fee.
  • Municipal Bulk Pickup: $0 – $50.
  • Recycling Center Drop-off: $10 – $30 per piece.
  • Junk Removal Service: $100 – $200+ for a mattress and box spring.

Why You Should Avoid Illegal Dumping

It might be tempting to leave an old mattress in an alley or vacant lot. But the consequences are severe.

  • Heavy Fines: You can face fines of hundreds or even thousands of dollars if caught.
  • Environmental Harm: Mattresses take up space in nature and can leach chemicals.
  • Community Blight: It makes neighborhoods look neglected and can invite more dumping.
  • Cleanup Costs: Ultimately, taxpayers pay for the cities cleanup efforts.

There’s always a legal and responsible option available.

Special Cases: Bed Bugs and Heavily Soiled Mattresses

If your mattress has bed bugs or is badly stained and torn, your options change. Donation is off the table.

What to do:

  1. Label It Clearly: If you leave it for pickup, write “BED BUGS” on it in permanent marker. This protects sanitation workers.
  2. Encapsulate It: Use a sealed, plastic mattress bag designed for bed bug disposal. This prevents spreading the infestation.
  3. Choose Landfill or Special Disposal: Inform your junk hauler or municipal service about the contamination. They may have specific protocols.
  4. Recycling May Still Be Possible: Some advanced recycling facilities have heat treatments that kill bed bugs during processing. Call to ask.

Eco-Friendly Impact of Mattress Recycling

Choosing recycling makes a real difference. Here’s what happens to your old mattress parts:

  • Steel Springs: Melted down and used to make new steel products.
  • Foam and Fiber Padding: Shredded for use in carpet underlay, insulation, or industrial filters.
  • Wood Frames: Chipped for mulch, biomass fuel, or compost.
  • Cotton and Fabric: Often used for oil absorbents or other industrial cloths.

By recycling, you conserve raw materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

How to Find Local Resources Quickly

Start with a simple online search using these exact phrases:

  • “[Your City] bulk trash pickup”
  • “[Your City] mattress recycling”
  • “Donate furniture [Your City]”

Your local government website is the most reliable source for official rules and schedules.

What to Do With the Box Spring?

Always dispose of the box spring and mattress together. They are usually considered one “set” by haulers and recyclers. The same rules and options apply. If you only getting rid of a box spring, be sure to specify that when you call for a quote or schedule a pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I throw a mattress in a dumpster?
Usually, no. Most rental dumpsters have rules against mattresses due to their size and disposal costs. You must check with the dumpster rental company first. Putting one in without permission may result in extra fees.

Is it free to get rid of an old mattress?
Sometimes. Donation pickup is often free. Some towns offer free bulk trash days. However, many convenient options like retailer take-back or junk removal have a fee attached.

How do I get rid of a mattress for free near me?
Look into charity pickup, free bulk trash days from your city, or giving it away on a free listing site. These are you’re best bets for no-cost removal.

Will the garbage man take my mattress?
Not with your regular weekly trash. You must schedule a special bulk item pickup with your waste management provider. They will then send a different truck on a specific day.

What is the cheapest way to dispose of a mattress?
The cheapest way is usually through a free municipal bulk pickup day or by donating it to a charity that offers free pickup. Dropping it off at a landfill yourself can also be low-cost but may have a small fee.

Can you recycle a mattress with bed bugs?
It depends on the facility. Some specialized recyclers have the equipment to handle infested mattresses. You must call ahead and be completely honest about the condition. Never misrepresent a bed bug infested mattress.

Getting rid of an old mattress takes a little research, but it’s a manageable task. By choosing a responsible method, you keep your home clutter-free and contribute to a healthier environment. Start by checking you’re local city website, then explore the options that fit your timeline, budget, and the condition of your mattress.