Getting rid of an old mattress isn’t as simple as dragging it to the curbside and calling it a day. In fact, that’s rarely the right approach, especially in countries where improper disposal can lead to hefty fines.
Whether you’re upgrading to a luxurious new hybrid model or just clearing out your space, this guide will walk you through the right answers to the frequently inquired subject, “How to get rid of a mattress.” We’ve got you covered with the steps you need to follow.
Donate or Sell Your Mattress
Let’s start with the best-case scenario: your mattress is old, but still in great condition. Don’t throw it out—there’s a better option rooted in sustainability. You can either donate it or resell it, both of which are much more eco-friendly options that help the environment.
Check the Condition of the Mattress
First, check for stains, any broken or collapsed internal structure, or sagging in certain areas. And if—heaven forbid—it’s infested with bed bugs or has become a health hazard, do not donate or resell it. In that case, go straight to recycling or responsible disposal.
Where to Donate Your Mattress
Here are a few general options commonly found or accessible in many regions:
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Habitat for Humanity ReStores (HHRS): Often accept mattress donations depending on local guidelines and policies [1].
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The Salvation Army: In certain areas, they offer free mattress pickup services for mattress donations [2].
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Furniture Bank Network: Helps connect gently used mattresses with families in need through a wide support network [3].
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Local Shelters and Housing Communities: Especially during relocation programs or housing drives, they often welcome mattress donations.
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Donating Is Both Eco-Conscious and Community-Minded: A meaningful way to give your mattress a second life.
Where to Sell Your Mattress
If your mattress still has some life left in it, then reselling is definitely a wise answer to your question of how to get rid of a mattress, especially if it’s from well-known mattress brands like Milton, Helix, Casper, Tempur-Pedic, and the like.
There are plenty of platforms where you can list your mattress for sale, such as Facebook Marketplace, Instagram resale pages, or online forums.
Recycle Your Mattress
If your mattress is nearing the end of its life, but still has some salvageable parts, recycling is a smart and responsible option. Each year, thousands of mattresses end up in landfills, yet 70–80% of their components—including coils, fabric, foam, and wood—can be safely recycled.
There are a couple of ways to do a successful mattress recycling:
Local Recycling Programs
Some organizations specialize in mattress and furniture recycling, but unfortunately, not all countries have easy access to these services. However, there are still alternative options available.
One well-known organization is Bye-Bye Mattress, which operates in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and other regions, making mattress recycling simple and convenient [4].
Other helpful resources you can look up online include waste management services, local recycling events, and Earth 911 [5].
Recycle It Yourself
If you’re the hands-on type who enjoys DIY projects, disassembling your mattress yourself can be a pretty rewarding experience. All you’ll need are a pair of gloves, some pliers, and a utility knife—and you’re ready to start.
Begin by carefully cutting away the top layer of the mattress, then separate and sort the materials:
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Foam: Great for seat cushions, pet beds, or even knee pads for gardening or household work
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Steel Coils/Springs: Fully recyclable, and can be reused for crafts, yard projects, or even industrial art
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Wooden Bed Frames: Perfect for shelves, DIY furniture, or artistic projects
It’s a creative, eco-conscious way to give your old mattress a second life, piece by piece.
Contact Your Retailer
To take the stress out of figuring out how to get rid of a mattress that you’ve had for years, you can often rely on your retailer. Many top mattress companies are more than willing to help you dispose of your old mattress when you purchase a new one from them.
Here’s what you need to know:
Remove It During the Delivery of a New Mattress
Many major companies like Helix, Saatva, Casper, and big-box retailers such as IKEA, Costco, and others offer old furniture pickup services when delivering your new mattress, helping you with your old mattress disposal on the spot.
Check Your Warranty Coverage
Some companies may help you replace your mattress and remove the old one, especially if it’s still covered under warranty. Warranty terms vary from brand to brand, but generally range from 10 to 25 years, particularly with high-quality brands.
Junk and Mattress Removal Services
If your mattress is no longer fit to be donated or sold, if a DIY recycling project isn’t realistic, and if you can’t figure out how to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress, then turning to professional junk removal services might be your best bet.
Mattress Disposal in Landfill
Let’s face it—not every mattress is in a condition suitable for donation or resale. Weather damage, physical wear, or a combination of both can ruin a mattress. If it’s been heavily used, infested, soaked, or completely destroyed, landfill disposal – essentially the dump – may be your only option.
Many municipalities have strict regulations about dropping off large items at landfills, and mattresses usually fall under that category. In these cases, you’ll need to follow the local sanitation department’s bulky item collection schedule.
They often pinpoint locations for where to get rid of the mattress. The disposal fee costs around $25 to $50 per item, which is a small price to pay for freeing up space and refreshing your home.
Signs You Should Replace Your Mattress
The hardest part about deciding to get rid of your old mattress is knowing when it’s time. Luckily, there are some clear signs that your mattress has reached the end of the road.
Visible Wear and Tear
Obvious damage like sagging, lumps, exposed springs, ripped fabric, and similar issues don’t just affect your mattress’s appearance—they affect your spinal alignment, support, and comfort. This is especially true when it comes to mattresses for heavy people, which need to maintain their structural integrity to properly support higher weights and prevent sagging.
If you notice sagging in the center, that’s especially bad for your back, as your body sinks in exactly where it shouldn’t. Once visible wear shows up, your sleep quality is already suffering.
Difficult Sleeping or Morning Aches and Pains
If you’ve been waking up lately with a stiff back, neck pain, or tingling limbs, your mattress could be the culprit. In such cases, studies on medium-firm mattresses suggest that it might be the best replacement option to provide adequate support.
You Start to Get Allergies
Over time, mattresses collect skin cells, moisture, and debris, creating the perfect breeding ground for irritants. If frequent cleaning (vacuuming and changing your sheets) doesn’t help, your mattress is likely the main issue, and you need to figure out how to dispose of a mattress. This is especially important for those with asthma or respiratory conditions.
The Mattress Is Over 8 Years Old
While there’s no hard expiration date, most mattresses have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Memory foam may deflate, springs can loosen, and comfort layers wear out.
Even if your mattress still looks fine after a decade, chances are it’s not offering the same support and comfort it once did. That’s a sign it’s time to start looking for a new one—unless you want to add “visit chiropractor” to your weekly routine.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding how to get rid of a mattress and anything related to it
What Parts of a Mattress Can Be Recycled?
Approximately 75-80% of a mattress can be recycled, including steel springs, foam layers, and fabric materials. Before deciding to toss it, check if any of these components are still in good condition. If they are, you can repurpose them for various useful DIY projects.
How to Get Rid of a Mattress for Free?
There are several ways to dispose of a mattress at no cost. You can donate it to a local shelter or charity organization, or take advantage of free recycling events in your community. Another option is to post it online on social media or local marketplaces with a note like “free if picked up.”
How Much Does Mattress Disposal Cost?
Costs vary depending on the disposal service. You can use municipal bulky item pickups, which typically cost between $10 and $50, or opt for professional junk removal services, which usually range from $75 to $150, depending on the size of the mattress and level of service needed.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of a Mattress
Figuring out how to get rid of a mattress might seem like a hassle at first, but with the right approach, it’s pretty simple. Whether you recycle it, donate it, or arrange for a pickup service, there’s a solution for everyone.
Just check your mattress’s condition, consider your options, and take action. If it’s reached the end of its lifespan, let it go—a better night’s sleep (and peace of mind) is just around the corner.
References
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“Habitat For Humanity.” Habitat.org, https://www.habitat.org/emea. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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“The Salvation Army International.” Salvationarmy.org, https://www.salvationarmy.org/. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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“Furniture Bank Network.” Furniture Bank Network, 4 Feb. 2020, https://furniturebanks.org/.
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“Ready to Get Rid of Your Mattress?” Bye Bye Mattress | A Program of the Mattress Recycling Council, 2 Feb. 2018, https://byebyemattress.com/.
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“Earth911.com.” Earth911, Earth911.com, https://earth911.com/. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
