How to Dispose of a Mattress

How do I get rid of a mattress? That’s the question most people ask when they're stuck with a bulky old bed they no longer want. And honestly, it's a fair question. Mattresses are bulky, awkward to move, and once they’re no longer needed, they quickly feel like useless junk.

But before you drag it to the curb or dump it in the garage, pause for a second. If your mattress still has some life left in it, you might have options like donating, recycling, or even giving it a DIY refresh.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the smart, legal, eco-friendly and the best ways to get rid of a mattress

How Long Should A Mattress Last? 🔗

According to Consumer Reports, there is no one-size-fits-all schedule for when you should replace a mattress, although a decent mattress can last for around ten years. A mattress that has been used continuously for at least seven years deserves to be evaluated. (If you are over 40, Consumer Reports suggests that you inspect your mattress every five to seven years.)

Your personal timeline for getting a new mattress will be determined by a number of factors, including how sensitive you are to changes in your mattress, whether you have any health issues such as back pain, whether your sleeping situation changes (for example, if you start sleeping with a partner), and whether you prefer a soft, firm, or bouncy-feeling mattress.

The Disposal Signs: Know When to Replace a Mattress 🔗

Even if you can’t remember exactly when you bought your mattress, your body probably can. Over time, every mattress starts to show its age and the quality of your sleep goes downhill with it. If you’ve been waking up tired, sore, or just not feeling rested, your mattress might be sending you a message. Here are the most common signs it’s time for an upgrade.

Visible Wear and Tear 🔗

Let’s start with the obvious: if your mattress looks like it’s been through a few too many moves, it’s probably done its job. Fraying fabric, loose seams, exposed coils, or sagging corners are all signs that your mattress has outlived its comfort zone.

Pro tip: Most mattresses last around 7 to 10 years, depending on quality and care. If yours is older than that, even if it still “looks fine,” it’s worth evaluating its comfort and support.

Sagging and Body Imprints 🔗

When you get out of bed and can still see your body outline, that’s not a good sign—it means your mattress materials are breaking down. Sagging happens when coils weaken or foam loses elasticity, making it harder for your body to stay properly aligned during sleep.

A quick test: lay a straight object (like a broom handle or yardstick) across your mattress. If you can see a dip of more than an inch or two, it’s time for a replacement.

Lumps and Uneven Spots 🔗

Over the years, padding and foam can compress unevenly, leading to lumpy spots that feel like tiny hills under your sheets. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can throw your spine out of alignment, leading to morning stiffness or back pain.

To extend the life of a new mattress, rotate it every 3 to 6 months, this helps prevent lumping and uneven wear.

Noisy Springs or Squeaky Coils 🔗

If your mattress sounds like a rusty door hinge every time you roll over, it’s a red flag. Those squeaks come from worn-out springs that can no longer evenly support your weight. Over time, this not only affects comfort but can also disturb your partner’s sleep.

When the noise becomes constant or you feel the springs pressing against your back, it’s time to move on to a new model.

You Can’t Get Comfortable (No Matter What You Try) 🔗

You’ve fluffed the pillows, changed the sheets, and even bought a new comforter, yet you still toss and turn all night. The culprit? Most likely your mattress. When a mattress loses its shape and support, your body can’t fully relax, making it harder to fall and stay asleep.

Waking up with stiffness, numbness, or tingling sensations are also signs your mattress isn’t properly supporting your pressure points anymore.

The Environmental Impact of Mattress Disposals 🔗

Throwing a mattress into a landfill might seem simple, but it comes with serious environmental consequences. In the U.S., an estimated 15 to 20 million mattresses are discarded every year, that’s roughly 132,000 square miles of landfill space filled with waste. According to the Mattress Recycling Council, around 75% of mattress materials can actually be recycled and reused.

When mattresses sit in landfills, chemicals and fibers from foam and fabrics can seep into the soil, potentially contaminating nearby water supplies used by both people and animals. Plus, mattresses take up enormous space and can take 80 to 120 years to fully decompose, creating long-term pollution.

Instead of tossing it, consider more responsible disposal options. You can donate gently used mattresses to charities, recycle through local waste programs, or use eco friendly junk removal that ensures proper recycling. Many mattress retailers also offer take-back programs when you purchase a new one.

Recycling your mattress helps reduce landfill waste, lower your carbon footprint, and promote sustainability in your community. It’s a small step that makes a real difference for the planet.

Most Convenient Ways to Dispose of Your Mattress 🔗

The first thing to consider when disposing of a mattress is whether you can set it out for trash collection. Most junk removal companies do not accept mattresses at the curb and, if they do, need previous agreements. But here are your other possibilities.

Donate Your Mattress 🔗

If your old mattress still has some life left in it, donating is one of the best ways to give it a second home instead of sending it to the landfill. Many families, shelters, and charities gladly accept gently used mattresses, especially when they’re clean, free from stains, and in good structural shape.

Before donating, take a few minutes to inspect your mattress. Make sure it’s free of rips, odors, or any signs of bedbugs. Most organizations can’t accept mattresses with visible wear or infestations due to health and safety regulations. It’s always smart to call ahead and ask about their specific donation guidelines.

You can start by checking out DonationTown.org, which connects you to local charities that may accept mattress donations and even arrange pickup in some areas. National organizations like The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and Furniture Bank Network are also worth contacting many locations that offer free collection services depending on where you live.

If donation centers near you can’t take it, consider listing your mattress for free on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor. Someone nearby might be looking for an affordable (or free) mattress, especially students, first-time renters, or families in need.

By donating your mattress, you’re not just clearing space at home, you’re helping others sleep comfortably while keeping bulky waste out of landfills. It’s a small action that makes a big difference for both people and the planet.

Read More: Best Place to Donate Mattress

Recycle Your Mattress 🔗

If you live in California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, you’re in luck. These states offer free mattress recycling programs through a partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC). Residents can choose the option that’s most convenient: drop off their old mattress at a participating location, schedule a curbside pickup, or return it to a retailer when purchasing a new one. These programs are designed to make recycling hassle-free while keeping bulky waste out of landfills.

For those living outside of these states, there are still plenty of eco-friendly options. Many local municipalities or waste management centers host recycling drop-off events or offer paid pickup services for used mattresses. Some recycling centers even partner with charities to repurpose usable materials like metal springs, foam, or fabric.

You can also use the Earth911 Recycling Search tool to easily find nearby mattress recycling facilities. Just enter your ZIP code, and it will list locations, accepted materials, and contact details. This makes it simple to responsibly dispose of your mattress, even if your state doesn’t have a free program in place.

By recycling your old mattress, you help reduce landfill waste, save valuable resources, and support a cleaner, more sustainable environment, one good night’s sleep at a time.

Read Also: How to Recycle a Mattress the Proper Way

Repurpose Your Mattress 🔗

If you’re a little crafty or not afraid to get your hands dirty, your old mattress can still have plenty of life left in it. Instead of sending it to the landfill, consider a few easy mattress recycling and DIY repurposing ideas that are both practical and eco-friendly.

Outdoor Projects and Garden Use 🔗

A wooden box spring can be transformed into a raised garden bed perfect for growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Just remove the fabric and metal springs, line it with landscape fabric, and fill it with soil. You can even upcycle old mattress materials like cotton or foam by shredding them into mulch or compost that helps retain moisture and promote healthy soil.

Extra Home Padding and Insulation 🔗

Mattress filling, whether it’s foam, latex, or cotton, makes excellent insulation or padding. You can reuse it to soundproof small rooms, pad pet crates, or make extra-soft floor cushions and beanbags. It also works great as protective padding for moving furniture or covering fragile household items, an easy mattress disposal alternative that saves money and reduces waste.

DIY Pet Beds 🔗

Give your furry friends a cozy new hangout spot by repurposing your old mattress foam. Simply cut it down to your pet’s size, wrap it in soft, washable fabric, and you’ve got a durable, comfortable pet bed. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your pet happy while helping the planet through mattress recycling and reuse.

By taking a little time to upcycle your old mattress, you not only keep large materials out of landfills but also create something useful and meaningful for your home. Small efforts like these go a long way toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

Resell Your Mattress 🔗

If donating, recycling, or repurposing your old mattress isn’t the right fit for you, selling it might be the next best move especially if it’s still in good condition. Many people don’t realize how active the secondhand mattress market is locally. Thanks to online platforms, you can quickly list your mattress, connect with potential buyers, and earn a bit of extra cash or simply give it away for free to someone who needs it.

Two of the most popular resale platforms are Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

Craigslist is a long-standing, free online classifieds site that makes it easy to post items for sale in your local area. You can upload photos, include a short description with the mattress size, brand, and condition, and then set your asking price. Interested buyers can contact you directly through the website, making the transaction quick and straightforward. To stay safe, always meet buyers in public places or have someone with you when arranging pickup.

Facebook Marketplace, on the other hand, gives you the advantage of reaching both your personal network and local buyers at once. You can list your mattress with images, price, and details in just a few taps. Because it’s tied to your Facebook profile, there’s an added sense of transparency and trust during transactions. Plus, you can share your post on community groups to reach even more potential buyers in your area.

If you’ve tried these routes but still can’t find a taker or simply don’t have the time to manage the sale, professional junk removal services can be a hassle-free alternative. Many junk removal companies will handle the heavy lifting for you and make an effort to recycle or donate the mattress whenever possible. It’s an easy, eco-conscious way to clear out space without the stress.

While mattress disposal may feel like a chore at first, the good news is that there are multiple convenient, affordable, and even sustainable ways to handle it. Whether you sell it, give it away, or schedule a local pickup, getting rid of your old mattress doesn’t have to be difficult.

Contact a Private Waste Disposal Service 🔗

If there isn’t a local mattress recycling program in your area, don’t worry, there are still options. Start by calling your city’s waste management department or the private waste disposal company you already use. Many municipalities offer bulky item pickups for mattresses, sometimes for a small fee. They can tell you whether you need to schedule a pickup date, place the mattress at the curb, or drop it off at a designated facility. If your local provider doesn’t handle mattresses, they can usually recommend a licensed junk removal or recycling service that does.

Find Out If a Retailer Will Pick Up 🔗

Many mattress retailers now offer a convenient pickup service for your old mattress when you purchase a new one from them. Some even run trade-in or buyback programs, giving you a small credit toward your new purchase. However, it’s important to know that this service often comes with a separate fee, and pickup doesn’t always mean recycling. In most cases, the retailer’s third-party hauler simply disposes of the mattress in a landfill unless they specifically advertise an eco-friendly recycling or donation option. Before scheduling a pickup, ask whether the old mattress will be responsibly recycled or reused, so you can make sure it’s not just hauled away, but handled in a way that’s better for the environment.

Give It Away 🔗

If you can't find a charity that needs a mattress, consider giving it away to someone in your network. You may know a student who is furnishing their first apartment or a friend who has recently moved into a new home on a low budget. A new mattress may be just what they need to complete their bedroom.

Break Down the Mattress Yourself 🔗

You can disassemble the mattress yourself and recycle it in bits and pieces. This is especially useful if you don't have a mattress recycling site nearby. Although you'll need space and tools for removing it, you can recycle some parts, such as the coil springs, at a metal recycling yard.

What Not to Do with Your Old Mattress 🔗

When it comes to mattress disposal, recycling or repurposing is by far the most responsible option. But not all methods are safe, legal, or environmentally friendly. Here’s what you should avoid when getting rid of an old mattress:

• Leaving it on the curb for the garbage truck. Most municipal waste services do not accept mattresses with regular trash pickup, and leaving it out could result in fines.

• Dumping it in a landfill. Mattresses take up a lot of space and don’t break down easily, making them a major environmental burden.

• Illegal dumping. Leaving a mattress on a roadside, near a dumpster, or outside a business or homeless shelter is not only illegal but can harm the community and local wildlife.

• Donating an unfit mattress. Only donate mattresses that are clean, intact, and free from bed bugs or other pests. Worn, stained, or smelly mattresses should never be given to charity, they can create health hazards for others.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you ensure your old mattress is handled safely and sustainably. Instead, explore certified mattress recycling centers, professional junk removal services, or creative repurposing options to give your mattress a second life.

Regulatory Guidelines and Fines 🔗

Disposing of a mattress isn’t as simple as tossing it out. Every city and state has its own rules, so check with local authorities to avoid fines. Many states enforce strict anti-dumping laws, and mattresses dumped outside designated areas can lead to penalties.

The Mattress Recycling Council offers programs in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, accepting mattresses at drop-off sites or through pickup services. Even if you live elsewhere, their website, mattressrecyclingcouncil.org provides tips for responsible disposal and recycling.

By following local laws and using recycling programs, you can safely, legally, and sustainably get rid of your old mattress.

End Note 🔗

Proper mattress disposal doesn’t have to be complicated. By following local rules, exploring recycling programs, or donating when possible, you not only stay on the right side of the law but also make a positive impact on the environment. Take a few simple steps today, and turn the chore of getting rid of your old mattress into a responsible, stress-free process.

FAQs: How to Dispose of a Mattress 🔗

What is the best way to dispose of a mattress? 🔗

The best way is to use a mattress removal or junk removal service that can pick it up and dispose of it responsibly, often through recycling or donation.

Can I recycle my old mattress? 🔗

Yes, many recycling centers accept mattresses. They break them down into materials like metal, wood, and fabric, reducing landfill waste.

Can I donate a used mattress? 🔗

Some charities accept gently used mattresses, but many have strict rules due to health and safety standards. Always check before donating.

How much does mattress disposal cost? 🔗

Cost depends on your location, the size of the mattress, and whether you hire a professional removal service. However, mattress removal costs around $100, on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $75 and $150, depending on size, disposal method, and more.

Can I dispose of a mattress in curbside pickup? 🔗

Most curbside trash services do not accept mattresses due to size and safety issues. Specialized pickup or junk removal services are usually required.

Can I schedule same-day mattress pickup? 🔗

Many junk removal companies and mattress disposal services offer flexible scheduling, including same-day or next-day pickup depending on availability.