An old mattress can be a bulky, awkward item to have lingering in your home. Whether you’ve upgraded to a new model or are simply clearing out space, figuring out what to do with the old one presents a significant challenge. Tossing it on the curb isn’t just an eyesore; it’s often illegal and always bad for the environment, as mattresses take up a massive amount of landfill space and can take decades to decompose.

Properly disposing of your mattress is an act of environmental responsibility. Many components, from the metal springs to the foam and fabric, can be recycled and repurposed. This guide on how to get rid of old mattresses will walk you through several effective and eco-friendly methods for getting rid of your old mattress, ensuring you can rest easy knowing you’ve handled it the right way.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gathering a few items can make the process much smoother, especially if you plan to break down the mattress yourself for recycling or easier transport.

• Heavy-duty work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Box cutter or utility knife with extra blades
• Pliers (preferably with a wire-cutting function)
• Seam ripper
• Heavy-duty plastic sheeting or a mattress disposal bag
• Duct tape
• A vehicle (truck or large van), if you plan to transport it yourself

8 Simple Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Get Rid of Old Mattresses:

Step 1: Assess the Condition of Your Mattress

Before deciding on a disposal method, take a moment to honestly evaluate the state of your mattress. Is it gently used with no major stains, rips, or structural damage? Or has it seen better days, with significant sagging, pests, or large, permanent stains? The condition is the single most important factor in determining your options. A mattress in good shape could have a second life, while one that is truly at the end of its lifespan will need to be dismantled or sent to a specialized facility.

Be thorough in your inspection. Check for bed bugs, mold, or mildew, as these issues make the mattress unsuitable for donation or resale. If the mattress is clean and supportive, it could be a valuable item for someone in need. However, if it’s visibly worn out, stained, or broken down, your focus should shift toward recycling or professional disposal services. This initial assessment saves you time and effort by pointing you toward the most practical and responsible disposal route from the very beginning.

Step 2: Check Local Regulations and Waste Management Rules

Every municipality has different rules regarding bulk waste disposal. The first and most critical step you must take is to research your local city or county’s specific guidelines. Many waste management services will not pick up a mattress left on the curb with regular trash, and doing so can result in a fine for illegal dumping. Visit your local government’s public works or sanitation department website, or give them a call to get clear instructions.

Some areas offer a scheduled bulk pickup service, often free of charge or for a small fee, but you may need to book it weeks in advance. They might require you to wrap the mattress in a designated plastic disposal bag to prevent the spread of pests and to keep it dry. Understanding these rules upfront prevents potential penalties and ensures you are complying with local ordinances. This knowledge will inform whether you can rely on city services or need to explore other avenues for disposal.

Step 3: Explore Donation and Charity Options

If your mattress is still in good, usable condition—free of major stains, tears, and infestations—donating it is an excellent option. Many charitable organizations can give your mattress a new home with a family in need. Look for local chapters of organizations like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Some smaller, local furniture banks or shelters that support individuals transitioning from homelessness may also accept mattress donations.

Always call the charity beforehand to confirm they accept mattresses and to inquire about their condition requirements. Some organizations have strict hygiene standards and may not be able to take them. If they do, ask if they offer a pickup service, which can save you the trouble of transporting the bulky item yourself. Providing a mattress for someone else is a wonderful way to extend its life, reduce landfill waste, and make a meaningful contribution to your community.

Step 4: Try Selling or Giving It Away for Free

For a mattress that is still in great shape, you may be able to sell it and make a little cash back. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp are popular platforms for selling used furniture. Be transparent about its age, condition, and brand. Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles, highlighting its cleanliness and pointing out any minor imperfections. Pricing it competitively will increase your chances of a quick sale.

If you are more interested in getting it out of your house quickly than making money, offer it for free on platforms like Freecycle or in a “buy nothing” group in your local community. A free mattress, especially one that is clean and in good condition, will often be claimed very quickly by someone who needs it, such as a college student or a person just starting out. In most cases, the interested party will be responsible for pickup, saving you the logistical headache of transportation.

Step 5: Look for a Mattress Recycling Program

Recycling is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of an old mattress. An astonishing amount of mattress material—up to 90%—can be recycled. The steel springs can be melted down and reused as scrap metal, the foam can be shredded for carpet padding, and the wood frames can be chipped for mulch. Search online for “mattress recycling near me” using resources like Earth911 or Bye Bye Mattress, which maintain databases of recycling facilities.

Some recycling centers are drop-off only, meaning you will need a truck or a large vehicle to transport the mattress yourself. Others may be part of a larger junk removal service that specializes in eco-friendly disposal. There may be a small fee associated with recycling, typically ranging from $20 to $40, but this cost covers the labor-intensive process of manually deconstructing the mattress. This fee is a small price to pay for diverting a massive item from the landfill.

Step 6: Break Down the Mattress Manually

If you have the tools, time, and space, you can deconstruct the mattress yourself to separate the recyclable components. This method requires some effort but gives you complete control over the disposal process. Start by using a box cutter to carefully cut along the seams and remove the fabric cover and foam padding. This soft material can often be disposed of with your regular household trash, but check local rules first. Some textile recyclers may also accept it.

Once the soft layers are removed, you will be left with the metal springs and any wooden frame components. Use pliers with a wire-cutting function to snip the springs apart for easier handling. The metal can be sold or dropped off at a local scrap metal yard, where you might even earn a small amount of money. The wood can be repurposed for DIY projects or chipped for landscaping mulch. This hands-on approach is the most sustainable option, as it ensures every part of the mattress is properly recycled or reused.

Step 7: Hire a Professional Junk Removal Service

For a completely hassle-free experience, consider hiring a junk removal company. This is an ideal solution if you lack the time, physical ability, or vehicle to transport a heavy mattress. Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Load Up, or Junk King specialize in removing large items. You can schedule a pickup online or over the phone, and a team will come to your home, often on the same day, to haul the mattress away for you. They do all the heavy lifting.

When choosing a service, be sure to ask about their disposal practices. Reputable companies are committed to responsible disposal and will make an effort to recycle your mattress or donate it if it’s in good condition. The cost will be higher than other options, typically ranging from $70 to $200, depending on your location and the company. However, the convenience of having professionals handle the entire process from start to finish is often well worth the price.

Step 8: Contact Your Retailer for Take-Back Programs

If you are getting rid of your old mattress because you’ve purchased a new one, don’t forget to ask your retailer about their take-back or haul-away services. Many mattress companies offer to remove your old mattress when they deliver the new one, sometimes for free or for a nominal fee. This is by far one of the most convenient options, as it coordinates the removal and delivery in a single event.

In some states, such as California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, retailers are legally required to offer a take-back program to ensure the old mattress is recycled. Even if it’s not mandated in your area, many national brands and local stores provide this service as a courtesy to their customers. Be sure to inquire about this possibility at the time of purchase so you can arrange the logistics. It’s an easy way to solve your disposal problem while ensuring the old unit is handled responsibly.

Following these steps on how to get rid of old mattresses will not only help you declutter your space but also contribute to the overall well-being of the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can You Leave a Mattress on the Curb for Trash Pickup?

A1: In most places, no. Leaving a mattress on the curb is often considered illegal dumping and can result in a fine. Most standard municipal waste services are not equipped to handle such large items during regular collections. You should always check your local sanitation department’s rules. Some cities offer scheduled bulk item pickups, but you almost always need to arrange them in advance.

Q2: How Much Does It Cost to Dispose of a Mattress?

A2: The cost varies widely depending on the method you choose. Donating or giving it away can be free. Using a city-run bulk pickup program might be free or cost a small fee ($10-$50). Taking it to a recycling center typically costs between $20 and $40. Hiring a professional junk removal service is the most expensive option, usually ranging from $70 to $200.

Q3: What Is the Most Environmentally Friendly Way to Get Rid of a Mattress?

A3: The most eco-friendly option is to extend its life through donation if it’s in good condition. If it’s no longer usable, the next best choice is recycling. A high percentage of mattress materials, including metal, foam, and wood, can be repurposed, significantly reducing landfill waste. Breaking down the mattress yourself ensures that each component is sent to the correct recycling facility.

Q4: How Do You Know When It Is Time to Get Rid of a Mattress?

A4: You should consider replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years. Telltale signs that it’s time for a new one include visible sagging or lumps, audible squeaking from the springs, and waking up with back pain or stiffness. If you find that you sleep better on other beds, like in a hotel, it’s a strong indicator that your mattress is no longer providing adequate support.

Conclusion

Getting rid of an old mattress requires more thought than simply dragging it to the curb. By exploring options like donation, recycling, or using retailer take-back programs, you can handle its disposal in a way that is both responsible and convenient.

Each of these methods on how to get rid of old mattresses helps reduce landfill waste and ensures that the valuable materials inside your old mattress are put to good use. Taking the time to choose the right path not only clears space in your home but also contributes to a healthier planet.