How to Get Rid of a Mattress

Mattresses don't belong at the curb on trash day. What's the best way to dispose of yours? Read on for the answers, plus how much it may cost you.

Recycling a Mattress

Because of their size, mattresses take up a lot of landfill space. They also release harmful gases into the air. Here are some of the better disposal options:

Contact Your City
See if your area contracts with any local recycling companies. You'll typically pay a small fee to have the mattress taken away and properly recycled.

Find a Recycling Company
The fee may be higher if you employ a recycling company on your own. But you'll be disposing of your mattress in an environmentally friendly manner. Search online or use review sites like Yelp to compare your options.

Use a Retail Store Take-Back Service
Some stores or manufacturers will haul away your old mattress when they deliver your new one, often at no extra charge.

Repurposing a Mattress

If you are a DIYer, you can recycle/repurpose the mattress yourself. Take the mattress apart and recycle or reuse the wood frame, steel springs, and inner/outer foam.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sell steel springs as scrap metal

• Recycle the broken-down wood frame with your weekly recycling

• Repurpose the wood for other projects

• Use the wood for a backyard fire

• Break up the inner and outer foam for packing material

• Reuse the foam for stuffing for other projects

Donating a Mattress

If your mattress is still in good condition, has minimal stains, and never had bed bugs, you may find someone willing to take it. Start by asking friends and family.

If you don't know anyone, you can check with local charities. Not all charities accept donated mattresses due to health concerns. Some states outlaw mattress donation.

Here are a few charities that typically accept mattresses.

• Salvation Army
  
• Goodwill
  
• Habitat for Humanity
  
• Furniture Bank Association of America
  
• Churches
  
• Homeless shelters

How Do You Throw Out a Mattress?

If you aren't able to donate, recycle, or repurpose it, you can still throw out a mattress. Read on for your options.

Call Your Waste Disposal Service
Your local waste disposal service might take the mattress for an extra fee. If not, try contacting other dumpster rental services in the area. Many will pick up the mattress for you and haul it away.

Rent a Dumpster
If you are undertaking a major house cleaning, you may be able to throw the mattress away at the same time. But be sure to discuss it with the dumpster rental service first in case they don't accept mattresses.

Call a Junk Removal Service
Junk removal services specialize in trashing stuff you don't want, which often includes old mattresses. Just be prepared—this is likely the most expensive option.

Take the Mattress to the Dump
Some local landfills accept mattresses. But you can save time and energy by calling first to make sure.

How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost?

Your costs will depend on which option you choose. Recycling services typically charge per piece. If you recycle a mattress and box spring, for example, you'll pay an average of $10–$40 for each.

Your local trash service may charge a comparable fee, usually around $10–$20 per item. Call your city to find out if they offer the service. Sometimes cities have one or two days a year for larger items to be thrown out at a discounted price (or even free).

Junk removal services generally charge more. Expect to pay upwards of $100, but the size and location of the mattress will determine the fee.

Bottom Line

Getting rid of a mattress is a bit tricky. For the sake of the environment, try to donate or recycle the mattress first.

If you can't do either, discuss your options with your local trash service to find the best way to decrease the space and harmful gases that dumping will add to the local landfill.