How to Get Rid of an Old Mattress: Donate, Recycle or Dispose

Figuring out how to get rid of a mattress depends on its condition and where you live. If it is clean and stain-free, you can donate it or give it to a neighbor. Otherwise, you will need to look into state mattress recycling programs, retailer haul-away services, or your city's bulk trash pickup.

In short

• Most major charities do not accept used mattresses due to sanitation laws and bed bug risks.
• Four states have mandatory mattress recycling programs funded by a fee on new purchases.
• Retailers delivering a new bed may haul away the old one, but they can refuse soiled items.
• If a mattress is in excellent condition, giving it directly to a neighbor is often the easiest route.

Can I donate a mattress to a local charity?

When upgrading a bedroom, many people naturally assume they can drop their old bed off at a local thrift store. However, most Goodwill regions nationwide strictly prohibit mattress and box spring donations, according to Does Goodwill accept mattresses and box springs?. This widespread ban is due to strict sanitary laws, liability risks, high disposal costs for items that do not sell, and the severe risk of bed bug infestations.

The same rules often apply to other large organizations. While some local chapters might still accept them, many Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers have stopped taking mattresses entirely due to bed bug concerns, sanitation regulations, and overcapacity (Does Salvation Army Take Mattresses? What You Need to Know | Mattress Recycling Guy). Acceptance is strictly determined by the local center, so you must always call ahead before attempting to drop off a bed.

How do I know if my mattress is in good enough condition to give away?

If you find a local charity or shelter that does accept beds, the item must meet strict standards. Charities and neighbors alike expect a usable, safe item. Based on the Mattress Donation? [2026 Guide], mattresses must be in "like new" or excellent condition to be accepted by charities.

1. Check for stains and odors

   Any visible discoloration, water marks, or lingering smells will immediately disqualify a mattress from donation.

2. Inspect the structural support

   The bed must be structurally sound. Look for sagging, broken springs, or deep indentations that make it uncomfortable to sleep on.

3. Look for rips and tears

   The fabric cover must be completely intact. Even small holes can harbor dust mites or compromise the interior padding.

4. Verify it is completely free of pests

   Never pass along a mattress with signs of bed bugs. Check the seams, piping, and underside carefully.

Many organizations also require the box spring and frame to be donated together, or they will evaluate each piece separately before deciding whether to accept the donation.

How do I get rid of a mattress using state recycling programs?

The environmental impact of discarded beds is staggering. Approximately 15 to 20 million mattresses are discarded in the U.S. every year, which equates to roughly 50,000 mattresses per day (Mattress Waste Statistics (2026): 50,000 Discarded Every Day in the U. Fawcett Mattress). Despite 75% to 90% of a mattress's materials—such as steel, foam, and wood—being recyclable (About Us - Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council), less than 10% of discarded mattresses are recycled nationally.

To combat this waste, four states have enacted mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mattress recycling laws: California, Connecticut, Oregon, and Rhode Island. These states operate under the "Bye Bye Mattress" program, which is managed by the nonprofit Mattress Recycling Council.

These state programs are funded by a small recycling fee, ranging from $16.00 to $22.50, collected at the point of sale on all new mattresses and box springs in those specific states (Frequently Asked Questions - Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council). Residents in these areas can drop off their old beds at designated recycling facilities for free.

Why is mattress recycling so complicated?

A standard bed is a complex product. It contains heavy steel coils, dense polyurethane foam, solid wood framing, and various blended fabrics. While the vast majority of these materials are highly recyclable, separating them requires specialized machinery and intensive manual labor.

The steel can be melted down and repurposed for building materials, the foam can be shredded into carpet padding, and the wood can be chipped for landscaping mulch. But without a local facility equipped to handle this specific teardown process, the bed usually ends up in a landfill. Mattresses are notoriously difficult to compact, which is why they take up massive amounts of space in U.S. landfills annually. This massive footprint is why many waste management companies charge extra fees to handle them.

Will the store take my old mattress when I buy a new one?

Retailer haul-away is a highly convenient option if you are purchasing a replacement bed. In some areas, this service is legally protected. By law, retailers delivering a new mattress in California must offer to take back the old mattress at no additional cost within 30 days of delivery (Retailer Pick Up FAQ - Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council).

However, there are strict health and safety exceptions. Retailers, even in states with haul-away laws, have the legal right to refuse to pick up a mattress if it is severely damaged, wet, contaminated, or poses a health and safety risk to personnel or new equipment. If your old bed has signs of bed bugs or severe mold, the delivery team will leave it behind.

How do I throw away a mattress through city bulk pickup?

Outside of the four EPR states, disposal relies heavily on municipal solid waste programs. Readers must check with their city or county public works department to understand the local rules. Bulk pickup schedules, fees, and landfill bans vary widely by local jurisdiction. For example, some states have specific landfill bans that require alternative disposal methods.

How should I prepare my bed for donation or disposal?

Whether you are giving it to a neighbor, waiting for a charity pickup, or setting it out for city bulk trash, you need to prepare the item properly so it is safe to handle.

1. Strip and vacuum the bed

   Remove all sheets, mattress protectors, and pillows. Vacuum the top, sides, and seams to remove dust, hair, and crumbs.

2. Check for bed bugs one last time

   Examine the piping and corners closely. If you see tiny rust-colored spots or bugs, you must dispose of the bed according to local health department guidelines, usually by wrapping and sealing it tightly.

3. Keep it completely dry

   If a mattress gets rained on, it becomes incredibly heavy and begins to grow mold almost immediately. A wet mattress cannot be donated, and many recyclers or retailers will refuse to touch it. Store it indoors or in a garage until the exact day of pickup.

4. Wrap it in plastic if required

   Many city bulk pickup programs require mattresses to be sealed in a plastic mattress bag before they are placed on the curb. You can buy these large bags at hardware stores or moving supply shops.

What is the easiest way to give a good mattress to a neighbor?

If your mattress is in great shape but charities will not take it, giving it directly to someone in your community keeps it out of the landfill. This is where StuffRescue can help. StuffRescue is a free way for neighbors to give things away and rescue what others no longer need.

Posting an item is free, and you can list the mattress, box spring, and frame together. When you post, just tap the orange + button ("Rehome an Item") and add one to three photos. The autofill feature reads the photos and suggests a title, category, description, and condition, which you can edit. Be honest about the condition. As a giver, you should always check furniture for bed bugs and never list an item with signs of them.

Once someone claims the bed, a chat opens between the two of you to arrange a pickup time. The rescuer gets the exact pickup spot under My Rescues. There is no delivery, so the rescuer will pick it up directly from you. If you want to know more about the safety and logistics, read about how the free radius and pickup codes work.

Can I leave my mattress next to a dumpster?

No. Leaving a mattress by a dumpster, on the sidewalk, or in an empty lot is considered illegal dumping. You must schedule a bulk pickup with your city or take it to an authorized waste management facility.

Do I have to donate the box spring with the mattress?

Many charities and neighbors prefer to take the mattress, box spring, and bed frame as a complete set. If you are donating to an organization, call ahead to see if they require the box spring or if they will accept the mattress alone.

Will a junk removal company recycle my mattress?

It depends entirely on the company and your location. Some private junk haulers partner with recycling facilities, while others take everything straight to the landfill. If recycling is important to you, ask the company about their specific disposal methods before hiring them.

How do I get rid of a mattress with bed bugs?

You cannot donate, recycle, or give away a mattress with bed bugs. You must throw it away. Check with your city or county public works department, as most cities require you to seal the infested mattress in a specialized plastic encasement before placing it out for bulk trash collection to prevent the bugs from spreading to sanitation workers or neighbors.

Sources

1. Does Goodwill accept mattresses and box springs?
2. Does Salvation Army Take Mattresses? What You Need to Know | Mattress Recycling Guy
3. Mattress Donation? [2026 Guide]
4. Mattress Waste Statistics (2026): 50,000 Discarded Every Day in the U. Fawcett Mattress
5. About Us - Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council
6. Frequently Asked Questions - Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council
7. Retailer Pick Up FAQ - Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council

Published by StuffRescue, a US nonprofit based in Akron, Ohio. Spotted something out of date? Email info@stuffrescue.co.