by Quick answer: You can dispose of a mattress by recycling it at a facility, donating it if it is clean and undamaged, booking a junk-hauling service, or using your retailer's removal program when buying a new bed. Check local rules, since many areas restrict curbside mattress pickup.
By the MattressNut editorial team · Updated June 2026
Disposing of a Mattress — The Short Answer
Old mattresses are bulky and often cannot go in regular trash. Your main options are recycling, donating, paying a junk-removal service, or having your new mattress retailer take the old one away on delivery. The right choice depends on the mattress's condition and what services are available where you live.
What to Know
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recycle | Many components (foam, steel springs, wood) can be reclaimed; search for a local mattress recycler |
| Donate | Charities and shelters may accept clean, stain-free, undamaged mattresses; call ahead to confirm |
| Junk haul-away | Junk-removal companies pick up and dispose for a fee, handy for heavy or old mattresses |
| Retailer removal | Many sellers remove your old mattress when delivering a new one, sometimes free |
Practical Tips
Check your city or county waste website first, since some areas ban mattresses from curbside pickup or require a special bulky-item appointment. If you plan to donate, most charities will not take anything soiled, torn, or infested, so inspect it honestly. Wrap the mattress in a disposal or moving bag to keep it sanitary during transport and to protect floors and vehicles.
Our Recommendation
The easiest route is often letting your new mattress purchase handle the old one. Saatva includes free in-room delivery with white-glove setup and free removal of your old mattress, so the worn-out bed leaves the same day your new one arrives — no hauling or recycling run required.
See the Saatva Classic and its 365-night trial
The Bottom Line
Pick the disposal method that fits your mattress's condition and your area's rules: recycle or haul away a worn-out bed, donate a clean one, or let a retailer remove it on delivery. A quick check of local regulations saves headaches.
Bottom line: Recycle, donate, haul away, or use retailer removal — and confirm local rules before setting anything at the curb.
Related: our full Saatva mattress review.