Getting rid of an old mattress can feel confusing, right? I’ve been there too, staring at a lumpy mattress and wondering what to do with it.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, real-life options so you don’t feel stuck or overwhelmed. We’ll start by checking your mattress condition, so you know which choices are open to you.
I’ll also talk about retailer pickup, junk removal services, DIY mattress breakdown, and creative reuse ideas.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do with your old mattress, without breaking rules, wasting money, or harming the environment.
Check Your Mattress Condition First
Before deciding what to do with your old mattress, take a good look at its condition. This matters because it determines which options are available to you.
Good Condition Mattresses:
- No stains, tears, or odors
- Still supportive (not sagging)
- Free from bed bugs, mold, or pests
- Clean and relatively fresh
Poor Condition Mattresses:
- Heavy stains or persistent smells
- Sagging or broken springs
- Rips, tears, or structural damage
- Signs of pests or mold
Also, check if your mattress is still under warranty. Some brands offer return programs or buy-back options.
Knowing your mattress type (innerspring, memory foam, or hybrid) helps too, since some recycling centers specialize in certain materials.
Great Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Mattress
Once you know your mattress’s condition, you can pick the best way to move it out of your home without wasting money or harming nature.
1. Mattress Recycling Options Near You (Most Eco-Friendly)
Recycling your mattress is the best choice for the environment. When you recycle a mattress, almost nothing goes to waste.
Here’s what happens to each part:
| Material | New Use |
|---|---|
| Foam padding | Carpet padding, insulation |
| Steel springs | Scrap metal for new products |
| Cotton batting | Insulation material |
| Wood frame | Mulch or fuel |
Finding a mattress recycling center is easier than you think. Visit Earth911 and type in “mattress recycling” with your zip code.
You can also check Bye Bye Mattress if you live in California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island; these states have special mattress recycling laws.
Some recycling centers are free, while others charge a small fee (usually $10-$30). Many cities also host special bulk recycling events a few times per year, where you can drop off your mattress at no cost.
Check your local city or county website for upcoming dates.
2. Donate a Gently Used Mattress
Got a mattress in great shape? Donating helps someone in need while keeping your mattress out of the landfill. Just remember, charities have strict rules about conditions.
Top national charities that accept mattresses:
- Salvation Army – Offers pickup service in many areas
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Sells donated items to fund home building
- The Arc – Supports people with intellectual disabilities
Local Options:
- Homeless shelters
- Transitional housing programs
- Women’s and family shelters
- Community outreach centers
Donation Requirements:
- No visible stains or odors
- No tears or holes in the fabric
- Firm and supportive (no sagging)
- Completely free of bed bugs, mold, or pests
Most charities will pick up your mattress for free if you schedule ahead. Call first to confirm they’re accepting mattresses; some locations have limited space or seasonal restrictions.
The downside? These strict rules mean many used mattresses don’t qualify. But if yours cuts, donation is an excellent way to help your community.
3. Showcase Your Mattress in Local Online Groups
When charities won’t take your mattress, but it’s still usable, online platforms are your friend. Plenty of people look for cheap furniture, especially college students, people moving into their first apartment, or families on tight budgets.
Best Places to List Your Mattress:
- Facebook Marketplace (set price to “free”)
- Buy Nothing Project (neighborhood gift economy groups)
- Craigslist (free section)
- Nextdoor (local community app)
Tips for Success:
- Post clear, honest photos from multiple angles
- Describe any flaws or wear honestly
- Mention it’s “first come, first serve”
- Offer porch pickup to make it easy
- Include dimensions and mattress type
Be ready for quick responses; cheap mattresses often get claimed within hours. Make sure whoever takes it can transport it themselves (provide measurements so they know it’ll fit in their vehicle).
4. Retailer Pickup When You Buy a New Mattress
Planning to buy a new mattress anyway? Many retailers will haul away your old one during delivery. This convenient option saves you time and effort.
How It Works: Most stores offer a one-for-one exchange; they’ll take your old mattress when they deliver your new one. Some take box springs, too.
Popular retailers like Mattress Firm, Sleep Number, and Casper offer this service.
Things to Know:
- Sometimes free, sometimes $50-$100 fee
- Your old mattress must be in reasonable condition (no serious pest issues)
- They won’t take general furniture, only mattresses and box springs
- Must remove all bedding yourself
- Schedule during checkout or call ahead
Always ask about their removal policy before completing your purchase. Some online mattress companies partner with haul-away services to offer this convenience, too.
5. Professional Mattress Removal Services
Need your mattress gone fast with zero hassle? Professional junk removal companies handle everything from pickup to proper disposal or recycling.
Reliable Companies:
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK? – Same-day or next-day service
- LoadUp – Book online with transparent pricing
- Republic Services – Local waste management
Why Choose Professional Removal:
- They do all the heavy lifting
- Often recycle materials when possible
- Insured and licensed
- Flexible scheduling
- Handle multiple items at once
Cost: Expect to pay $75-$150 for mattress removal, depending on your location and the company.
Special City Rules: In cities like New York City and Boston, mattresses left curbside must be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent bed bug spread. Professional services handle this requirement for you.
6. Creative Uses for Old Mattress Materials
Feeling crafty? Breaking down your mattress yourself opens up tons of repurposing possibilities. This option works great if you enjoy DIY projects and want to avoid disposal fees.
What You Can Make:
| Mattress Part | Idea 1 | Idea 2 | Idea 3 | Idea 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foam | Comfortable pet beds | Cushions for outdoor furniture | Kids’ play mats | Packing material for moving or storage |
| Metal Springs | Garden trellises for climbing plants | Rustic wall art or wreaths | Wine bottle holders | Decorative light fixtures |
| Fabric | Moving blankets | Drop cloths for painting | Sound insulation for garage/workshop | Cleaning rags |
| Wood Frame | Garden compost bins | Canvas backing for art projects | Small shelving units | Fire kindling (untreated wood only) |
Safety First: Wear thick gloves and safety goggles. Use a sharp utility knife or bolt cutters for springs. Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
Some mattresses contain fiberglass in the fire barrier. If you see shiny white fibers, stop immediately and consider professional disposal instead.
7. Resell a Lightly Used Mattress
Got a nearly new mattress? You might be able to sell it and make some money back. This works best for mattresses less than two years old with minimal use.
Where to Sell:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- OfferUp
- Neighborhood apps
Selling Tips:
- Share the mattress age, brand, and original price
- Explain why you’re selling (“upgraded to king size,” “moving”)
- Mention if it’s from a smoke-free, pet-free home
- Price it at 30-50% of retail for fair pricing
- Include detailed photos and dimensions
Be honest about any wear. Buyers appreciate transparency, and it prevents awkward situations during pickup.
8. Use Mattress Brand Buy-Back or Recycling Programs
Some mattress companies want their products back when you’re done with them. These take-back programs make disposal easy and sometimes offer credit toward a new purchase.
How to Find Out:
- Check your mattress brand’s website
- Look in your warranty documents
- Call customer service
Brands committed to sustainability often recycle or refurbish returned mattresses. You might need proof of purchase or the original delivery date.
The benefit? They handle all logistics, and you might get a discount on your next mattress.
9. Legal Mattress Disposal and DIY Breakdown
Sometimes none of the other options work out. Maybe your mattress is too damaged to donate, recycling isn’t available nearby, and you’re on a tight budget. In that case, you can legally dispose of it, but do it the right way to avoid fines.
Check Local Rules First: Illegal dumping carries heavy fines ($500-$5,000 in many areas). Never abandon a mattress on the street, in the woods, or in a random dumpster.
Legal Disposal Options:
Option A: Schedule Bulk Pickup
Most cities offer bulk trash pickup once a month or by appointment. Call your local waste management department or check their website. Some require you to buy a special sticker or pay a small fee.
Option B: Break Down the Mattress Yourself
If you have the tools and time, dismantling your mattress reduces its volume and lets you recycle some parts.
Steps:
- Work outdoors or in a garage with good ventilation
- Cut away the fabric covering with a utility knife
- Pull out foam layers and set aside
- Use bolt cutters to cut metal springs apart
- Take metal springs to a scrap metal recycler
- Bag remaining materials in heavy-duty trash bags
- Dispose of bags on your regular trash day or bulk pickup
This takes 1-2 hours but can save disposal fees. Just remember, wear protective gear and work carefully around sharp springs.
10. Contact Your Local Furniture Store or Moving Company
Some independent furniture stores and moving companies offer mattress removal as an add-on service, even if you didn’t buy a new mattress from them.
Why This Helps: These companies often partner with recycling facilities or local donation centers, making disposal easier for you.
How It Works:
- Call local furniture shops or moving companies
- Ask whether they provide mattress haul-away
- Expect a small service fee ($40–$100, depending on distance and size)
- Many will take box springs, too
Bonus Tip: Moving companies are invaluable if you’re relocating; they can take the old mattress and deliver your new one in one trip.
11. Host a “Curb Alert” for Quick, Free Pickup
If your city allows curbside giveaways, a “curb alert” is one of the fastest ways to get rid of a still-usable mattress.
How It Works:
- Place the mattress outside your home (only if local rules allow it)
- Add a large sign that says FREE
- Post a quick “curb alert” on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor
- Include your cross streets (not your exact address, for safety)
Why It Works: People looking for budget furniture often grab curbside items quickly, sometimes within minutes. This method works best with clean, odor-free mattresses.
If your city requires mattresses to be wrapped in plastic before being left outside, follow the rules to avoid fines.
Quick Decision Guide
Not sure which option fits your situation? Here’s a simple path:
| Mattress Condition | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Mattress is in excellent condition (clean, no damage) | Try donating to charity first; if rejected, list it for free online; consider selling it if it’s nearly new. |
| Mattress has minor wear but no stains or smells | Check local recycling centers; list it free online; use city bulk pickup. |
| The mattress is damaged, stained, or has pests. | Look for mattress recycling facilities (they accept any condition); hire a professional removal service; schedule city bulk pickup; break it down yourself. |
| You’re buying a new mattress. | Always ask about retailer haul-away services. |
Final Thoughts
By now, you can see there’s no “one right way” to get rid of an old mattress. It really depends on its condition, your budget, and how much effort you want to put in.
I like to think of it this way: if it’s still useful, I try to pass it on. If it’s not, I look for the safest and most eco-friendly way to let it go.
Even if you recycle it, donate it, give it away online, or break it down yourself, you’re taking a smart step.
Now it’s your turn, pick one option from this guide and take action this week. And if you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s stuck with an old mattress too!
