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Getting rid of a mattress is harder than it should be — they're bulky, heavy, and can't go in standard curbside recycling. Illegal dumping carries fines of $100-$10,000 depending on your municipality. But there are legitimate free and low-cost options for virtually every situation. Here's how to dispose of your mattress responsibly.
Free Mattress Disposal Options
1. Retailer Pickup (Best Option)
Most DTC mattress brands offer free old mattress removal when they deliver your new mattress. Saatva includes old mattress removal with white-glove delivery. Puffy, Amerisleep, and PlushBeds typically arrange free pickup through their delivery partners. This is the simplest, most convenient option — schedule your new mattress delivery and the old one disappears the same day.
2. Municipal Bulk Item Pickup
Most cities offer scheduled bulk item pickup for mattresses. Contact your local waste management department or check their website for: scheduling requirements (often 1-2 weeks advance notice), placement rules (usually at curbside before pickup day), and any fees (often free or $10-20 one-time charge). Some cities offer free pickup; others charge. Always check — never place a mattress at the curb without scheduling.
3. Mattress Recycling Programs
States with mattress recycling programs (California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, others via Mattress Recycling Council's Bye Bye Mattress program) offer drop-off or pickup recycling at no cost. Find locations at byebyemattress.com. Mattresses are approximately 90% recyclable: steel coils melt for rebar, foam becomes carpet padding, fabric becomes industrial insulation.
4. Donation (if eligible)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores, local shelters, and furniture banks sometimes accept mattresses, with strict conditions: less than 5-7 years old, no stains or odors, no structural defects, from smoke-free home. Call before transporting — most organizations reject mattresses. The Salvation Army and Goodwill typically do not accept mattresses.
Paid Disposal Options
| Option | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $75-$150 | Convenient, same-day availability |
| LoadUp Mattress Removal | $60-$130 | Often cheaper than GOT-JUNK |
| Local junk hauler | $40-$100 | Prices vary widely by market |
| Dumpster rental | $150-$400 | Only if disposing multiple large items |
What NOT to Do
- Don't leave a mattress on the curb without scheduling — illegal dumping fines are significant
- Don't put in standard trash/recycling bins — won't fit and violates waste management rules
- Don't burn — toxic materials in foam release hazardous fumes
FAQ
How do I get rid of an old mattress for free?
The easiest free option: buy a new mattress from Saatva, Puffy, or another brand offering white-glove delivery with old mattress removal included — they take the old one when delivering the new one. Other free options: municipal bulk item pickup (check your city's schedule), state mattress recycling programs (byebyemattress.com for eligible states), or donation if the mattress meets strict eligibility requirements.
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
Only in a dumpster you've rented yourself for a cleanout project. Putting a mattress in a shared dumpster (construction site, apartment complex, parking lot) without permission is illegal dumping and can result in fines. Even your own rented dumpster may prohibit mattresses — check with the rental company before loading one.
Does Goodwill take mattresses?
No — Goodwill and most Salvation Army locations do not accept mattresses due to health regulations, liability concerns, and resale challenges. Habitat for Humanity ReStores sometimes accept mattresses in excellent condition (no stains, under 5 years old, from smoke-free home) — call your local ReStore first to confirm their policy before transporting.