How to Dispose of a Mattress (2026): Free Options and Local Resources

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Getting rid of an old mattress is one of the most overlooked parts of the mattress buying process. You can't just put a mattress on the curb in most cities — and landfills often refuse them due to size. Here are all your options for mattress disposal in 2025.

Your Mattress Disposal Options

1. Free White Glove Removal (Best Option)

Many premium mattress brands remove your old mattress when delivering your new one — for free. Saatva includes white glove delivery + old mattress removal in every purchase. This is the easiest, no-cost option if you're buying a new mattress anyway. Shop Saatva with free removal →

2. Mattress Recycling Programs

Mattresses are 80–90% recyclable — steel coils, foam, fabric can all be separated and reused. Many states have recycling programs:

• California: Bye Bye Mattress program — free drop-off at collection events
• Connecticut, Rhode Island: Mattress recycling programs statewide
• National: Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) — byebyemattress.com for location finder
• Retailer take-back: Some mattress retailers offer recycling for $15–$50

3. Local Bulk Item Pickup

Many municipalities offer bulk item pickup for large furniture including mattresses. Check your local waste management website or call 311. Some offer:

• Free scheduled pickup (2–4 week wait typical)
• Paid same-week pickup ($30–$80)
• Drop-off at municipal transfer station

4. Donate If in Good Condition

Mattresses under 5 years old in good condition (no stains, tears, or significant wear) can be donated:

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores
• Local shelters and transitional housing programs
• Furniture banks
• Salvation Army / Goodwill (call ahead — not all locations accept)

5. Junk Removal Services

Services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, College Hunks, or local junk haulers will remove mattresses. Cost: $50–$150 depending on location and company. They handle transportation and typically ensure recycling when possible.

6. Repurpose It

• Memory foam can be cut into pet beds, cushion inserts, or camping pads
• Innerspring coils can be recycled at metal scrap yards
• Cover fabric can be cut into rags

What NOT to Do

• Don't leave on curb without scheduling — illegal in most cities ($50–$500 fine)
• Don't put in regular trash — won't be accepted
• Don't burn — toxic foam fumes
• Don't leave in apartment dumpster — property management fines

Planning Mattress Disposal Around Your New Purchase

If timing a new mattress purchase with disposal:

• Schedule bulk pickup 2–3 weeks in advance
• Or buy from Saatva (includes free removal with white glove delivery)
• Or arrange junk removal for the day of your new delivery

All of our recommended mattresses — Sweetnight, Amerisleep, Puffy, PlushBeds — ship compressed in a box, so delivery doesn't require advance scheduling coordination.

Related buying tips

Before making a purchase in this category, consider these essentials we recommend checking:

• Trial period — 100 nights minimum, 365 nights ideal for a major mattress or bedding purchase.
• Warranty — 10 years or longer for mattresses; 1-3 years for most bedding accessories.
• Return policy — ensure free returns are included, not store credit only.
• Certifications — CertiPUR-US for foam (no harmful chemicals), GOLS/GOTS for organic latex and cotton, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for fabrics.
• Shipping — check if white-glove setup and old-mattress removal are included or cost extra.

For our complete shopping framework, see our 2026 best mattress buying guide.