How to Dispose of a Box Spring Safely & Easily

You replaced your old bed. Now the box spring is in the way. It’s big. It’s heavy. It won’t fit in the car.

You think about leaving it at the curb. But the city has rules. Sometimes there’s a fee. Recycling options aren’t always easy to find either.

And if it’s still in decent shape, throwing it away feels like a waste.

We get it. Getting rid of a box spring is frustrating. But there are simple ways to handle it. This guide will walk you through them step by step.

Box Spring Disposal Rules: Why You Can’t Just Toss It in the Trash 🔗

There are several rules like local regulations, costs, environmental impacts and more. Below are things you need to know.

Local Regulations & Ordinances 🔗

Many cities define a box spring (and mattress) as a bulk item. It doesn’t “fit” into normal trash bins. Example: Covington, Kentucky considers a mattress and/or box spring a bulk item. Such items must follow special preparation rules (wrapping, scheduling, etc.).
In some states or municipalities, there are laws prohibiting throwing mattresses/box springs into regular trash because of environmental concerns. Example: Massachusetts passed a law that prohibits residents from disposing of mattresses or box springs in the waste stream; they must be recycled.

Fees & Charges for Disposal 🔗

Bulk pickup often costs extra. The fees vary widely by location, item size, and service type. For instance, in Worcester, MA, dropping off a box spring at a residential drop-off center costs around $15.
Some cities charge per-item fees if using curbside bulk pickup. Portland, Oregon, has categories: a box spring alone might be in one price band, whereas a king mattress plus box spring may cost more.
Drop-off at recycling centers or landfills may carry a nominal fee depending on weight, size, or materials. These fees help cover handling, separation, or recycling costs.

Preparation Requirements 🔗

Many municipalities require you to wrap mattresses and box springs before pickup or set‐out. This is often to prevent pests (bed bugs) and to protect workers and sanitation trucks. New York City, for example, requires sealing mattresses/box springs in plastic bags.
Some rules ask you to bundle or disassemble parts when possible (wood frame, metal springs). Smaller parts may need to be contained so they don’t pose a hazard.

Environmental / Recycling Laws & Programs 🔗

Recycling is increasingly mandated or encouraged through local laws. One goal is to prevent large, bulky items from ending up in landfills when their materials (wood, metal, fabric) often can be reused.
Some cities now have dedicated drop-off centers or recycling programs that accept box springs. For example, Baltimore has started offering drop-off at certain residential recycling centers that can recycle more than 90% of the box spring’s materials.

Consequences of Improper Disposal 🔗

Fines or penalties: If you leave a box spring out improperly (wrong day, unwrapped, etc.), some cities may fine you.
Additional costs: If the waste service must send special equipment or additional staff, they may bill extra when dealing with improperly prepared/bulky items.
Environmental cost: Bulk furniture takes up a lot of landfill space. Materials that could be reused are lost if items are not recycled. Also, transporting large waste improperly can raise carbon emissions.

Learn more: How to Dispose of a Mattress with Bed Bugs

How to Dispose of a Box Spring 🔗

Getting rid of a box spring can feel overwhelming, but there are several safe and responsible ways to handle it. From donation and recycling to professional removal, understanding your options helps you save time, money, and reduce waste.

Donate Your Box Spring 🔗

If your box spring is in good condition, donating is a great way to give it a second life. Many charities, shelters, and non-profits accept gently used box springs.

Key Tips: 🔗

Check condition: No broken springs, mold, pests, or major stains.
Call ahead: Confirm the organization accepts box springs; some only accept mattresses.
Examples of donation options:

Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Local shelters or churches
Nonprofit resale shops

Donating not only prevents the box spring from going to a landfill but also helps someone in need.

Know more: How to Donate a Mattress: A Complete Guide

Recycle Your Box Spring 🔗

Many parts of a box spring, wood, metal, and fabric can be recycled. Some cities have mattress and box spring recycling programs.

Steps for recycling:

Disassemble if required: Remove metal springs from wood and fabric.
Check local recycling centers: Some accept full box springs; others require separation.
Drop-off or pick-up: Certain recycling programs offer curbside bulk pickups.

Why it matters: Recycling conserves resources, reduces landfill waste, and supports sustainability initiatives.

Know more: How Wecycle is Changing the Junk Removal Industry

Curbside Pickup or Bulk Trash Collection 🔗

Many municipalities provide bulk pickup services for large furniture items. This is often the easiest method for homeowners who can’t transport the box spring themselves.

Tips for curbside disposal:

Schedule the pickup in advance with your local waste management office.
Ask about any bulk item fees they can vary depending on city or weight.
Follow any preparation rules (some cities require wrapping or disassembling parts).

This method is convenient but may include small fees, so it’s worth checking your city’s regulations.

Learn more: Eco-Friendly Junk Removal: The Complete Guide

Sell or Give Away 🔗

If the box spring is in decent shape but you don’t want to donate, selling or giving it away is another option.

Where to list it:

Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp.
Local “free stuff” groups or Freecycle communities.

Tip: Be honest about conditions and include photos. Pick up or delivery may be needed for bulky items.

Hire a Professional Removal Service 🔗

If your box spring is too heavy or you have multiple items to dispose of, professional junk removal services can help.

Benefits:

Fast and safe removal.
Disposal or recycling handled for you.
Avoid lifting heavy items yourself.

Practical Tips to Make Box Spring Disposal Easier 🔗

This section can focus on real-world advice and efficiency hacks rather than rules:

Measure & Plan Your Moves 🔗

Measure your box spring and your vehicle or stairways before moving it.
Plan the route to avoid scratches, damage, or injury.

Use the Right Tools 🔗

Furniture straps, dollies, and gloves make moving bulky items safer.
Box cutters and pliers help if you plan to disassemble parts for donation or recycling.

Coordinate With Helpers 🔗

Box springs are heavy, get someone to help lift and carry.
Consider scheduling friends or hiring a small moving crew for efficiency.

Maximize Reuse & Recycling 🔗

Separate metal, wood, and fabric to increase chances of recycling.
Donate parts if possible (some charities accept just the springs or wood frame).

Time It Right 🔗

Schedule pickups or drop-offs on days with low traffic at donation centers or recycling facilities.
Avoid leaving the item outside too long pests, weather, and theft can be an issue.

Conclusion 🔗

Getting rid of a box spring doesn’t have to be stressful. You can donate it if it’s in good shape, recycle the metal and wood parts, schedule a bulky item pickup, or hire a removal service.

These options save time, prevent fines, and keep it out of the landfill. Even if you skipped the full guide, these are the main ways to handle your box spring safely.

To make it easier, plan ahead, measure your space, gather the right tools, and check local donation or recycling options. Preparing your box spring properly ensures it can be reused or recycled efficiently.

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How to Dispose of a Box Spring: A Complete Guide