Your new mattress is arriving soon, or the old one is finally done, and now you're staring at a heavy, floppy slab that won't fit in the trash can. It's too big for most curbside pickups, awkward to carry alone, and a poor fit for landfill when so much of it can be recycled.
You have more options than you might think, and some are free. This page walks through every realistic route (retailer take-back, donation, recycling, bulk pickup and junk removal), how to find what's available where you live, and how to prepare the mattress so nothing goes wrong on the day.
The Short Answer
- Buying a new mattress? Ask the retailer whether it will take the old one away at delivery, and get the terms in writing.
- Still clean and undamaged? Donate it, but call ahead: many charities have strict condition rules.
- In California, Connecticut or Rhode Island? Use the state's mattress recycling program (Bye Bye Mattress), which offers drop-off sites and events.
- Elsewhere? Search for a local mattress recycler or book your city's bulk trash pickup.
- Can't move it yourself? A junk removal service hauls it from inside your home, usually the most expensive option.
Can You Just Put a Mattress on the Curb?
Usually not. Many curbside trash services refuse mattresses or require a scheduled bulk-item pickup, and some cities fine residents for leaving one out without an appointment. Check your city or county waste website first.
There's an environmental reason to look further too. Much of a mattress (steel springs, foam, fiber and wood) can be separated and recycled, so recycling or donation is usually the better route.
Option 1: Retailer Take-Back
Many retailers and some online brands offer old-mattress removal when they deliver a new one, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee. It's the easiest option when the timing lines up, because the old mattress leaves with the delivery crew.
Policies differ between brands and change often, and bed-in-a-box deliveries frequently don't include removal by default. Before you check out:
- Ask whether removal is offered for your address and order.
- Ask the fee and whether it must be booked in advance.
- Get the terms in writing in your order confirmation.
If you're still choosing the replacement, see our best mattresses overall and best mattress under $500 guides, and ask about removal before you buy.
Option 2: Donate It
Charities generally accept mattresses only in good condition: no stains, tears, sagging, odor or signs of bed bugs. Some won't accept used mattresses at all because of hygiene rules.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept furniture donations at many locations; check your local ReStore's mattress policy first.
- Salvation Army and Goodwill: call your local branch. Not every location accepts mattresses.
- Local shelters, refugee resettlement groups and community organizations sometimes accept mattresses for families setting up homes.
be honest about the condition. A rejected pickup wastes everyone's time.
Option 3: Recycle It
Recycling breaks a mattress into raw materials (steel, foam, fiber, wood) for reuse.
State mattress recycling programs (CA, CT, RI)
California, Connecticut and Rhode Island have state laws that require mattress recycling programs. They're run by the nonprofit Mattress Recycling Council under the name Bye Bye Mattress, funded by a recycling fee collected when you buy a mattress in those states. Residents can typically drop off mattresses at participating collection sites and events without an additional charge. Use the locator at byebyemattress.com to find sites and check the current rules, since other states may add programs.
Everywhere else
Search "mattress recycling" plus your city or county. Some areas have dedicated recyclers, some waste companies offer mattress recycling for a fee, and some municipal transfer stations accept mattresses for recycling. Your city or county solid-waste website is the most reliable place to check.
Option 4: City Bulk Trash Pickup
Many cities offer scheduled bulk-item pickup, sometimes for a fee and sometimes with a set number of free pickups per year. You usually need to book in advance, and some cities require the mattress to be bagged. Search your city or county name plus "bulk pickup".
Option 5: Junk Removal
National and local junk removal companies pick up from inside your home, so there's no dragging it down stairs. It's usually the most expensive option per item, so it makes most sense when you're clearing out several things at once. Ask whether they recycle or donate what they collect.
How Do I Find Mattress Disposal Near Me?
Because options are local, work through this list:
- Your state: in CA, CT or RI, start with Bye Bye Mattress.
- Your city or county waste website: search "[your city] mattress disposal" or "bulk pickup".
- Your retailer: if you're buying a new mattress, ask about removal before you order.
- Local charities: call before you load the car.
- Junk removal: get a quote if none of the above works.
How Much Does Mattress Disposal Cost?
Costs depend heavily on where you live and change often, so treat this as a guide to relative cost and check locally.
| Option | Relative cost | Best if |
|---|---|---|
| Donation | Free | The mattress is clean and undamaged |
| State program drop-off (CA, CT, RI) | Typically no extra charge at drop-off | You live in a program state |
| Retailer take-back | Free to a fee, depending on retailer | You're buying a new mattress |
| Local recycler or bulk pickup | Free to a fee, depending on your city | You just want it gone |
| Junk removal | Usually the most expensive | You can't move it yourself |
How Do You Prepare a Mattress for Pickup or Drop-Off?
- Check the condition. Know whether it's donation-quality before you call around.
- Bag it if required. Some cities and facilities require mattresses to be wrapped in plastic. Mattress disposal bags are sold at most hardware stores.
- Strip the bedding.
- Get help moving it. A queen or king is awkward for one person, especially on stairs.
- Measure doorways and stairwells if a new mattress is arriving the same day. Our mattress size chart lists standard dimensions.
if you suspect bed bugs, say so up front. Many facilities and charities won't accept an infested mattress, and some require it to be sealed.
Is It Actually Time to Replace Your Mattress?
If it sags, wakes you sore or is roughly 7–10 years old, probably; see our how long does a mattress last guide. If it's just dirty, try our mattress cleaning guide first.
If You're Replacing It
Ask each retailer about old-mattress removal before you buy. These guides are a good place to start:
Bottom Line
If you're buying a new mattress, ask about take-back first and get it in writing. If the old one is in good shape, try donation. In California, Connecticut or Rhode Island, use Bye Bye Mattress; elsewhere, check your city's recycling or bulk pickup options, and save junk removal for when you truly can't move it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw a mattress in the regular trash?
Usually not. Most trash services refuse mattresses or require a separate bulk-item pickup.
Check your city or county waste website.
Is mattress recycling free?
In California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, a recycling fee is collected at purchase, and drop-off at participating program sites typically carries no extra charge. Elsewhere it depends on your area.
Will charities pick up a mattress?
Some will, but only if it's in good condition. Call ahead to confirm both pickup and condition rules.
Does buying a new mattress include old mattress removal?
Sometimes, but not automatically. Ask when you order and get the terms in writing.
What happens to a mattress that gets recycled?
It's taken apart and the steel, foam, fiber and wood are separated for reuse in other products.
Can I recycle or donate a mattress with bed bugs?
Disclose it first. Many facilities and charities won't accept it, and some require it to be sealed in plastic.
Contact a pest professional too.
How long does a mattress last before it needs disposing of?
Roughly 7–10 years for most mattresses; see how long does a mattress last.
