You’re staring at an old mattress and wondering where you can get rid of it. It’s a common problem, but the answer depends on where you live and the condition of your mattress. This guide will walk you through every option, from free pickups to specialized recycling, so you can choose the best path for your situation.
Where Can I Get Rid Of An Old Mattress
Your main options fall into a few categories. You can arrange a pickup, drop it off yourself, or in some cases, repurpose it. The right choice balances convenience, cost, and environmental impact.
Option 1: Municipal Bulk Waste Pickup
Most city or county waste services offer bulk item collection. This is often the first place to check.
- Check Your Local Website: Visit your city’s sanitation department website. Look for “bulk trash,” “large item pickup,” or “special collection.”
- Schedule in Advance: You usually must call or schedule online ahead of your trash day. They rarely take mattresses left curbside without notice.
- Follow the Rules: There will be specific instructions. You might need to wrap the mattress in plastic (to prevent bed bug spread) or place it a certain distance from other trash.
- Know the Limits: Some services have limits, like a certain number of items per month or year. Others may charge a small fee.
Option 2: Retailer Take-Back Programs
When you buy a new mattress, the company delivering it will often take your old one. This is a hugely convenient option.
- Always Ask: When purchasing, explicitly ask about old mattress removal. It’s sometimes free, sometimes a small fee (often $20-$50).
- Not Just Mattress Stores: Major furniture retailers and even online brands like Casper or Saatva often include or offer this service with delivery.
- Condition Usually Doesn’t Matter: They typically take the old mattress regardless of its state, as they handle disposal.
Option 3: Mattress Recycling Facilities
Recycling is the most eco-friendly choice. Up to 90% of a mattress can be recycled. The steel springs, foam, wood, and fibers are all separated and turned into new products.
Finding a recycler is key. Use the “Mattress Recycling Council’s” website (Bye-Bye Mattress program) if you’re in a participating state like California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island. For other areas:
- Search Online: Use terms like “[Your City] mattress recycling.”
- Call Ahead: Always call the facility. Ask about fees (typically $10-$30 per item), hours, and if you need to prepare the mattress (e.g., removing bedding).
- Drop-Off Only: Most require you to transport the mattress to them.
Option 4: Donation (If It’s Still Usable)
If your mattress is clean, stain-free, and structurally sound, donation is a great option. Laws are strict, so charities will inspect it thoroughly.
- Call First: Never just show up with a mattress. Organizations like The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or local homeless shelters may accept them, but policies vary widely.
- Be Honest: Describe any flaws over the phone. Most will refuse any mattress with stains, tears, or signs of bed bugs.
- Free Pickup: Many charities offer free pickup for qualifying items, which solves your transport problem too.
Option 5: Junk Removal Services
For maximum convenience, hire a junk hauler. They come to your home, carry the mattress away, and handle disposal. This is the easiest but most expensive option.
- National Companies: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? or Junk King are examples. They are reliable but cost more.
- Local Haulers: Search for local junk removal on Yelp or Google. They can sometimes offer better rates.
- Get a Quote: Prices are based on volume. A single mattress might cost $50-$150 for removal. Always get a clear quote first.
Option 6: DIY Disposal at the Landfill
Taking it to the dump yourself is a last resort. It’s not eco-friendly, but it’s a direct solution.
- Find Your Local Landfill or Transfer Station: Search for “[Your County] solid waste facility.”
- Check Requirements: Some require proof of residency. Ask about fees, which are usually by weight or a flat rate for a mattress.
- Transport Safely: Secure the mattress tightly to your vehicle or trailer. Use strong ropes and a red flag if it overhangs.
Special Considerations and Pro Tips
Disposing of a mattress isn’t always straightforward. Here’s what else you need to know.
Dealing with Bed Bugs or Severe Damage
If your mattress has bed bugs, you have a responsibility to prevent there spread. Most donation centers and recyclers will refuse it.
- Wrap It Tightly: Before moving it, seal it completely in heavy-duty plastic mattress bags. Tape all seams shut.
- Label It: Clearly write “BED BUGS” on the plastic. This alerts sanitation workers.
- Use Municipal Pickup or Junk Removal: These are your best bets. Inform the service in advance so they can take precautions.
How to Prepare Your Mattress for Disposal
Proper prep makes the process smoother for everyone.
- Strip All Bedding: Remove all sheets, mattress pads, and pillows.
- Clean It (If Possible): Wipe off any surface dust or dirt.
- Wrap It: Even if not required, wrapping in plastic is a courteous and sanitary step.
- Carry Safely: Mattresses are awkward. Get help to avoid injury.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Dump It Illegally
Illegal dumping—leaving a mattress in an alley, woods, or vacant lot—is a serious problem.
- It’s a Crime: You can face hefty fines, often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- It Harms the Environment: Materials don’t break down easily and can leach chemicals.
- It Costs Your Community: Tax money that could be used elsewhere goes toward cleanup.
- It’s Unsightly and Unsafe: It attracts pests and creates blight in neighborhoods.
FAQs About Getting Rid of an Old Mattress
Is it free to throw away a mattress?
Sometimes. Many municipal bulk pickup services are free for residents, but not all. Retailer take-back might be free with purchase. Recycling or junk removal almost always has a fee. Always check with your local service to be sure.
Will Waste Management take my mattress?
Waste Management, the company, offers bulk pickup in many areas they service. You need to contact your local WM office directly or check your account online to schedule and see if there’s a charge. Rules vary from one city contract to the next.
How do I get rid of a mattress for free near me?
Start with free municipal pickup. Next, see if a charity will pick it up for free if it’s in donatable condition. Finally, if you’re buying a new one, use the retailer’s free take-back service. Online “free stuff” groups can sometimes work, but be clear about the mattress’s condition.
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
Almost never. Dumpsters, especially rental ones or those for apartment complexes, have strict rules against large items like mattresses. It can cause extra fees for the owner and you may be charged. Always get permission first, but expect a “no.”
What is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of a mattress?
Recycling is by far the best option. The materials get a new life instead of taking up space in a landfill. If the mattress is usable, donation is equally good as it extends the product’s life. Avoid the landfill if you can.
How much does it cost to have a mattress hauled away?
Junk removal services typically charge between $50 and $150 for a single mattress, depending on your location and the company. A landfill drop-off fee is usually cheaper, around $10-$30. Recycling centers have similar fees to landfills.
Making Your Final Decision
To choose your best option, ask yourself these questions:
- What is my budget? (Free, under $30, or convenience at a higher price?)
- Is the mattress in good enough shape to donate?
- Can I transport it myself, or do I need pickup?
- How important is the environmental impact to me?
Start by calling your local waste authority. They can tell you about curbside pickup rules. Then, if that doesn’t work, move down the list to recycling, donation, or paid services. With a little research, you can find a responsible solution and reclaim that space in your home. Remember, taking the time to dispose of it properly is better for your community and the planet.