How to Recycle a Mattress the Proper Way

Is your mattress past its prime and taking up too much space? Well, you are not alone!

Millions of mattresses are discarded each year, and unfortunately, most end up in landfills where they almost take decades to break down.

The good news? Your old mattress doesn’t have to go to waste. Instead many of its parts, like metal springs, foam, and fabric can be recycled, reused, or even donated if it’s still in decent shape.

In the following discussion, we are going to have a detailed discussion on how to recycle a mattress gradually so you can clear your space responsibly and help the planet at the same time.

Why Recycle a Mattress Instead of Throwing It Away? 🔗

Throwing a mattress might feel like the easiest choice, but it comes at a great expense. After all, they are bulky, hard to break down, and millions of them pile up in landfills each year. Here’s why recycling is the smarter move:

• A single mattress can take decades to decompose, clogging up landfills. Recycling helps them to keep the waste out of the trash stream.
• Steel springs can be easily melted into new products, foam can become carpet padding, and wood can be repurposed for building or composting.
• If your mattress is in a decent condition, donating it can help families, shelters, or students furnish their homes affordably.
• Some programs recycle for free, and donating to a nonprofit may qualify you for a tax deduction.
• Many cities and organizations offer pick-up or haul-away services, making recycling as simple as scheduling an appointment.

Things to Consider Before Recycling 🔗

Not every mattress is handled the same way, hence, knowing your options can save you all the hassles and expenses. Below is a quick checklist to consider:

• If your mattress is gently used and free from damage, donation may be an option.
• If it’s sagging or has bedbugs, recycling or disposal is the only route.
• Some cities ban mattresses from curbside trash collection. While others might require drop-off at designated recycling centers.
• Recycling is sometimes free, but certain programs typically charge $10–$50 per mattress.
• Some programs require curbside drop-off, while others will collect directly from your house.
• Always confirm ahead of time whether your chosen organization has mattress recycling or donation programs in place.

Mattress Recycling Options 🔗

When it’s time to bid farewell to your old mattress, know that you have got plenty of choices other than just leaving it on the curb. Such as the following:

Specialized Mattress Recycling Centers 🔗

Many cities have dedicated recycling facilities that break down mattresses into reusable parts like metal, foam, and fabric.

Hence, to find one near you, make sure to check the resources like Earth911, Bye Bye Mattress, or your city’s public works website. You may have to pay a small fee or sometimes it’s completely free as well.

Retailer Take-Back & Haul-Away Programs 🔗

Many retailers (like IKEA, Costco, and local mattress shops) offer haul-away services. Plus, some are free with delivery, while others may charge a small fee.

Municipal Bulk Collection or City Services 🔗

Some cities offer bulk pick-up programs for large items, including mattresses. Whereas, others may have drop-off days or recycling events where you can dispose of bulky items responsibly. Therefore, always check your local waste management/sanitation department’s website for details.

Junk Removal & Hauling Services 🔗

Companies like WeCycle, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? or College Hunks Hauling Junk will pick up mattresses and take them to recycling facilities when possible. However, this option typically costs more but is convenient if you have other large items to dispose of at the same time.

Can You Donate a Mattress? 🔗

In short, the answer is yes but only if it’s in good condition. However, many charities and nonprofits welcome mattress donations, but, then again, they need to be clean, gently used, and free from any sort of stains, tears, odors, or bedbugs.

Meaning, in case your mattress looks and feels like it still has plenty of life left, donating it can make a big difference for someone who needs a comfortable place to sleep.

Where to Donate a Mattress:

• Homeless shelters & transitional housing programs
• Furniture banks
• Thrift stores (local and national)
• Online platforms

Read Also: How to Donate a Mattress

Creative Ways to Repurpose a Mattress (DIY Recycling) 🔗

Mattresses are full of reusable materials that can be repurposed around the house, garden, or workshop. Here are some creative ideas to take your imagination to the next level:

Metal Springs 🔗

• Turn into a garden trellis for climbing plants like beans, cucumbers, or roses.
• Use single coils for candle holders, wine racks, or quirky art projects.
• Sell the scrap metal to a recycling yard for a little extra cash.

Foam Padding 🔗

• Cut into pieces for pet beds, cushions, or pillows.
• Use as carpet padding or insulation for DIY soundproofing projects.
• Craft into kneeling pads for gardening or workout mats.

Wooden Frame 🔗

• Repurpose into raised garden beds, compost bins, or shelving.
• Use for small woodworking projects like benches or storage crates.
• Firewood (if untreated and safe to burn).

Fabric & Upholstery 🔗

• Transform into rags for cleaning, quilting, or craft projects.
• Use for pet bedding or protective covers for moving and storage.
• Cut into strips for DIY braided rugs.

Entire Mattress/Box Spring 🔗

• Use as a daybed outdoors by adding cushions and weatherproof covers.
• Repurpose box springs as backyard fencing, vertical gardens, or wall art bases.

How Much Does Mattress Recycling Cost? 🔗

Recycling a mattress doesn’t always come free. Instead, the costs vary depending on your location, the service you use, and how far it needs to be hauled. But the good news is, knowing the usual price ranges helps readers plan and choose the most cost-effective option. Here’s what to expect:

Typical Cost Ranges & Examples 🔗

In the U.S., costs for mattress removal vary considerably depending on region, municipality, and whether a hauling service or recycling facility is used.

• In many parts of Texas, local waste services (e.g. Texas Disposal Systems) charge around $25 per mattress or box spring for disposal at a landfill or processing facility. In their bulky pickup program, they may also apply extra fees—for instance, $25 for twin/full/queen, $50 for king sizes.
• In metro areas like Houston, disposal-only services often run $45 to $50 for a single mattress (drop-off or basic pickup).
• In cities like Austin, full-service junk removal quoting adds up quickly: around $120 or more for mattress pickup and hauling.
• On the West Coast, particularly in California, the landscape is different: many mattress retailers must offer free take-back of an old mattress when delivering a new one (though there are exceptions). Also, the state has instituted a flat $16 recycling fee on all mattress/foundation sales (as of 2025), which helps fund mattress recycling programs.

Read More: How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost

What Affects the Price? 🔗

Here are some key factors that drive up or down the cost:

Factor	Cost Impact	Alterations of Prices
Size & Weight	The bigger, the costlier it gets	More material, heavier lifting, more space used in vehicle
Pick-up vs. Drop-off	Pick-up is costly	Labor, drive time, and logistics add additional expense
Location & Distance	The more distance, the higher the fee will be	Fuel, travel time, and transport
Accessibility	Hard-to-reach apartments/stairs may increase the price	More effort needed to remove added labor
Retailer/Haul-away Service	Offer free/discounted removal with procurement	Usually gets included with new mattress delivery

The Bottom Line: You can expect to pay anywhere between $30–$120 for mattress recycling or removal, but the actual cost depends heavily on your location, service choice, and logistics.

Concluding Words 🔗

Recycling a mattress may sound tricky but once you know the whole process, it;s much easier than you think. Now that you know which one to pick, make sure to pick the one that ideally suits your needs. After all, a better night’s sleep always feels better when you know you have done the right thing!

Frequently Asked Questions 🔗

Can I Leave My Mattress on the Curb? 🔗

In most places, no. Many cities have banned curbside mattress disposal because they are bulky and difficult to process. Instead, the ideal call is to check your local bulk pickup program or a mattress recycling center near you.

Does Goodwill or Salvation Army Take Mattresses? 🔗

Generally, no. For health and hygiene reasons, most large charities like Goodwill and The Salvation Army do not accept mattresses. However, some local shelters, furniture banks, or nonprofits may accept gently used ones in good condition. Always call ahead to confirm.

Are Mattress Recycling Programs Free? 🔗

Certain cities or councils offer free drop-off events, and some retailers include haul-away when you purchase a new mattress. Otherwise, most mattress recycling services charge a small fee, typically $30–$75 in the U.S. or £18–£40 in the UK.

How Do I Recycle a Box Spring? 🔗

Box springs can be recycled just like mattresses. The metal and wood are separated and reused. Some recycling centers accept them together with mattresses, while others require them to be dropped off separately.