What to Do with an Old Mattress (7 Easy & Responsible Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Mattress)

Have an old mattress taking up space in your home and not sure what to do with it?

You’re not alone. Every year, millions of mattresses end up in landfills, taking up massive amounts of space and harming the environment.
The good news? There are several responsible, eco-friendly, and practical ways to get rid of an old mattress—without just dumping it on the curb.

Whether your mattress is gently used or completely worn out, this guide walks you through seven easy and responsible options to deal with it safely.

1. Donate Your Old Mattress (If It’s Still in Good Condition)

If your mattress is still in decent shape—no major sagging, stains, or tears—donation is one of the best ways to make good use of it.
Several charities and shelters accept mattresses that are still safe and hygienic for sleeping.

Where to Donate an Old Mattress

• Local charities: Organizations like The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and Furniture Bank often accept mattress donations.
• Homeless shelters and women’s refuges: These facilities are often in need of bedding and may gladly take your used mattress.
• College dorms and local community groups: Students or low-income families might appreciate a free or low-cost bed.

Tip:

Before donating, make sure your mattress meets hygiene and safety standards. A quick cleaning and vacuuming can make it more appealing and acceptable for donation.

2. Recycle the Mattress through a Certified Recycling Program

If your mattress is beyond use, recycling is the most environmentally friendly option.
Many areas have mattress recycling centers that can break down the materials—foam, metal, wood, and fabric—for reuse.

How Mattress Recycling Works

Mattresses are typically made of several components that can be separated and repurposed:

• Steel coils: Recycled into new metal products.
• Foam: Used in carpet padding or insulation.
• Wood: Turned into mulch or fuel.
• Fabric and fibers: Repurposed into industrial materials.

Where to Find Mattress Recycling Programs

• Bye Bye Mattress: Operates in several U.S. states, helping residents recycle old mattresses responsibly.
• Earth911.com: Helps you locate local recycling centers that accept mattresses.
• Local council or waste management websites: Many offer pickup or drop-off options for recycling bulky items.

Pro Tip:

If your city doesn’t have a mattress recycling center, call your waste management provider to ask about scheduled recycling collection days.

3. Sell or Give It Away Online

If your mattress is still comfortable and clean, selling it online can help you recover some of its value—or at least save it from landfill.

Best Platforms to Sell or Give Away Your Mattress

• Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Post clear photos, mention brand, age, and condition honestly.
• OfferUp and Freecycle: Great for free giveaways if you just want it gone.
• Local buy/sell groups: Community-based groups are often open to used home furniture.

Tips for Success

• Mention if it’s from a smoke-free, pet-free home.
• Offer delivery within a small radius to attract more interest.
• Clean it thoroughly before handing it off.

Even if you don’t get cash for it, giving it to someone in need keeps it useful and reduces waste.

4. Check if the Retailer Offers Mattress Removal

If you recently bought a new mattress, your retailer might offer old mattress removal services—sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee.

How It Works

When your new mattress is delivered, the retailer or delivery company picks up the old one and takes it for recycling or donation.

Retailers That Commonly Offer Removal

• IKEA
• Sleep Number
• Mattress Firm
• Costco
• Local furniture stores

Why This Option Helps

This is a convenient, stress-free way to ensure your old mattress is disposed of responsibly, without lifting or transportation hassles.

5. Repurpose or Upcycle Parts of the Mattress

Even if your mattress isn’t usable for sleeping, the materials inside can serve creative or practical home purposes.

Ideas for Repurposing Mattress Parts

• Foam padding: Cut into cushions for pet beds or outdoor furniture.
• Springs: Can be used in garden trellises or as art projects.
• Wood frame: Ideal for DIY shelving or small furniture.
• Fabric covering: Repurpose into cleaning rags or craft materials.

This approach saves money, supports sustainable living, and keeps waste out of landfills.

6. Contact Your Local Council for Bulk Waste Pickup

If donation or recycling isn’t an option, many local councils offer bulk waste pickup for items like mattresses.

Steps to Arrange a Pickup

1. Visit your city or council website.
2. Check the bulky item collection schedule.
3. Book a collection slot or confirm curbside pickup days.
4. Prepare your mattress according to local guidelines (e.g., wrapped in plastic).

Important Tip:

Some councils have specific rules—like tagging large items or limiting how many can be collected per household per year—so always check before placing it outside.

7. Dispose of It Responsibly at a Local Landfill or Transfer Station

If all else fails, you can dispose of the mattress at a landfill or transfer station that accepts large household items.

What to Do Before You Go

• Call ahead to confirm acceptance and fees.
• Transport it safely (you may need a truck or utility trailer).
• Ask if the facility separates materials for recycling—some do this automatically.

While not the most eco-friendly option, this ensures legal and responsible disposal rather than illegal dumping, which can result in fines.

Bonus Option: Contact Mattress Removal Services

If you don’t have the time or means to handle mattress disposal yourself, junk removal services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, LoadUp, or College Hunks Hauling Junk can pick it up for a small fee.

They typically recycle or donate what they can, so you can rest easy knowing your mattress won’t end up in a landfill unnecessarily.

FAQs About What to Do with an Old Mattress

1. Can I put an old mattress on the curb for garbage pickup?

In most areas, you can’t leave a mattress for standard trash collection. You must schedule a bulky-item pickup or take it to a recycling or disposal center.

2. How do I know if my mattress is good enough to donate?

If it’s still firm, clean, free of odors, and has no tears or sagging, it’s likely suitable for donation. Most organizations will inspect it before accepting.

3. Can I cut up a mattress myself for disposal?

Yes, but it requires care. Use a utility knife and gloves to separate foam, springs, and fabric. Check your local recycling rules before discarding parts.

4. Is mattress recycling free?

Some states and programs offer free mattress recycling, while others charge a small fee ($10–$30). Always check your local guidelines.

5. How long does it take for a mattress to decompose in a landfill?

A mattress can take up to 100 years to decompose fully, which is why recycling or repurposing it is a much better choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering what to do with an old mattress, you now have several easy and responsible options—donate it, recycle it, sell it, or repurpose its parts.
Avoid tossing it in the trash, since mattresses take up valuable landfill space and can harm the environment.

By choosing any of these seven options, you’re contributing to a cleaner planet and helping others in need.