We’ve all been there before. You get something new and suddenly don’t have the room for the old one — especially bulky items like mattresses. The most common item people get stumped on is figuring out how to dispose of a mattress they hadn’t considered when buying the new one. Now your home is cluttered, and you’re left wondering what to do with it.
So what is the best way to get rid of an old mattress that you no longer need or want? Or where to throw away a mattress safely and responsibly?
The problem with the landfill
While it’s possible to take mattresses to the dump, expect extra fees. That’s because mattresses present several issues for landfills.
They don’t compress well, take up significant space, and can even damage compacting equipment with internal springs. Plus, synthetic foam and flame-retardant chemicals can leach into soil and water, raising environmental concerns.
This is why many municipalities and private haulers charge a fee to dispose of a mattress. For example, in Providence, RI, mattress disposal can cost upwards of $100.
What’s recyclable and what’s not
Mattress recycling is complex. Most mattresses are made of steel, foam, cotton, and wood — only the steel is commonly recyclable. The rest must be separated and processed, which limits recycling availability.
The best ways to get rid of a mattress
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Return the mattress to the manufacturer:
If you’re purchasing a replacement, ask the retailer if they offer take-back services.
With an estimated 20 million mattresses discarded annually in the U.S., many manufacturers now provide mattress recycling or haul-away programs. That’s 55,000 mattresses daily, enough to circle the Earth end-to-end. - Sell or give away the mattress:
If your used mattress is in good condition, you can try selling it locally or listing it for free on Craigslist or LetGo. This option helps reduce waste and gives the item a second life — a great choice for eco-conscious households.
- Donate the mattress to charity:
Can you donate a used mattress? In many cases, yes — provided it’s clean and pest-free. Local charities like The Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity may accept them, though health codes vary by state. It’s always best to call ahead and confirm.
- Find a specialized recycling program:
Your city or county may offer programs dedicated to mattress recycling. While some programs accept curbside pickups, most require drop-off or third-party collection. Without recycling access, many mattresses unfortunately end up in landfills.
- DIY – Break the mattress down yourself:
If you’re hands-on and have basic tools, you can disassemble your mattress. Cut along the seams to remove the fabric and foam, which can be bagged for disposal. Then saw the wooden frame or reuse it.
A typical mattress contains 30 to 100 pounds of steel — potentially worth $100 if recycling multiple units. Box springs alone may yield 10 pounds of recyclable metal each.
- From one of our users in North Carolina:
“I build up a nice bed of hot coals in the burn pit, throw one mattress at a time on and burn all of the material off of them, using a garden rake, I pull the wire frames out of the fire and throw in the next one until they are all cleaned and cooled, then I load them up and haul them down to the local yard. I have seen a few of you say that mattresses aren’t worth the hassle. I see it as easily worth it. Mattresses are the easiest to process and VERY easy to unload at the yard. Using fire eliminates the worry of bugs and mold and bacteria.”
*** Note: Please do not burn your used mattress — this method is not environmentally safe and releases harmful toxins into the air.
Because disposing of a mattress can be so difficult, consider long-lasting options when buying a new one. Some brands offer warranties of 10 to 20 years. With care, your mattress could last decades and help minimize household waste.
Need help figuring out how to dispose of a mattress? Book Mattress Disposal Plus for eco-friendly removal, heavy lifting, and peace of mind.
