Wecycle makes clearing away your junk or unwanted debris quick, efficient, and convenient—on your schedule.
01 October, 2025
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Read Also: How to Donate a Mattress
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:
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:
In the U.S., costs for mattress removal vary considerably depending on region, municipality, and whether a hauling service or recycling facility is used.
Read More: How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
KB Choudhury is the Chief Executive Officer of WeCycle, a technology-driven platform dedicated to transforming the recycling and waste management industry. Under his leadership, WeCycle focuses on creating efficient, data-powered solutions that simplify waste collection, promote eco-friendly practices, and support a sustainable circular economy. Choudhury’s vision for WeCycle centers on leveraging innovation and digital tools to make recycling smarter, more accessible, and impactful for both businesses and communities.
