Can You Donate a Used Mattress?

You’re trading up your old mattress for a brand new one, and you can’t wait to sleep in your new, comfy bed for the first time, but you’re definitely not looking forward to dealing with getting rid of the old one.

Why Is Mattress Donation So Difficult?

Donating your mattress instead of tossing it out is a great idea — but it’s not always easy. After all, not every organization is equipped to accept used mattresses.

Here’s why people struggle with mattress donation:

• Limited acceptance: Many local and national charities will not accept your mattresses due to specific health regulations.
• Condition requirements: Mattresses must be clean, undamaged, and pest-free.
• Pickup delays: Scheduling a donation pickup can take weeks.
• Confusing search results: Searching for “mattress donation near me” often leads to dead ends and lack of clarity.

But don’t give up just yet — we’ve got solutions!

Luckily, you’ve found this article where we’ll explain the secrets and details of donating a used mattress to charity. Keep reading to find out where to go to get rid of your old mattress by donating it.

Do Thrift Stores Accept Mattress Donations?

Habitat for Humanity is known for building housing for low-income and disadvantaged families. They furnish these homes with household goods and furniture that are donated by businesses and individuals.

These Habitat ReStores accept donations of new and gently used appliances, furniture, building materials, household goods, and other items.

If you’re considering furniture donation, this is a great place to start. Each ReStore is unique, and not every location is able to accept the same items.

Donating goods to Habitat For Humanity is a great option for getting rid of unwanted items while helping others in your community, and many Habitat ReStores offer free pickup of large items.

Because there are several ReStores not able to accept donated mattresses, due to public health regulations, you’ll need to contact your local ReStore to find out whether you can donate your unwanted mattress to them.

You can find the Habitat ReStore location nearest you and their contact information by entering your ZIP code in the search box on their website.

Does Goodwill Accept Mattress Donations?

Goodwill typically accepts:

• Clothing and accessories
• Most household items
• Small furniture and electronics

However, not all Goodwill locations accept mattresses due to health and safety regulations. Items that are banned, recalled, or fail safety standards will also be declined.

Before donating, be sure to call your local branch to confirm what they can take — especially for specialty items like mattresses, computers, or larger furniture pieces.

Check the Goodwill locator to find your nearest Goodwill drop-off location and their contact information so you can give them a call and find out if they will accept your used mattress. Some Goodwill locations also offer pickup services for bulk donations.

There are also plenty of local charities and nonprofit organizations that may accept your used mattress donation. If you’ve been searching online for mattress donation near me, these local options may be your best bet.

You may want to try visiting DonationTown as a way to find charities that will take a used mattress where you live.

Where to Donate a Used Mattress or Furniture

Whether or not you can donate a used mattress mainly depends on three factors:

• the condition of the mattress
• the charities in your area
• where you live

The first thing to think about when donating a mattress is whether or not you would sleep on it if someone gave it to you.

Basically, make sure your mattress is in good shape and doesn’t have anything major wrong with it before you decide to donate it.

If you also have old box springs or bed frames you’d like to donate, check to ensure they’re clean and undamaged. Most organizations that accept furniture donation will expect items to be in gently used condition.

Donating a mattress to charity can be a good way to keep it out of the landfill, but only if that mattress is in good condition. That’s why most charities won’t accept damaged or heavily used mattresses.

If your mattress isn’t donation-ready, consider mattress recycling instead of tossing it to the curb. It’s a more environmentally responsible alternative that ensures the materials are reused whenever possible.

If you’re going to donate your mattress, you’ll have to find somewhere to drop it off or arrange pickup. Searching for mattress donation near me can help you locate the best options in your area.

In larger cities, donation is easier thanks to nonprofit organizations that have the resources and facilities to handle mattress and furniture donations for people in need.

If your mattress isn’t suitable for donation, there are still options available through mattress disposal and mattress recycling services.

How to Prepare a Mattress for Donation

Once you’ve confirmed that your mattress is in good enough condition to be donated, take these important steps to ensure it’s accepted and ready for reuse:

• Remove all bedding: Strip off any sheets, covers, or pads and launder them separately if they’ll be donated too.
• Vacuum the surface: Use a vacuum to remove dust, dirt, or pet hair for a clean, allergen-free donation.
• Inspect for stains or pests: Make sure there are no visible stains and double-check for signs of bedbugs or other pests.
• Wrap in plastic: Use a mattress bag or plastic wrap to protect the mattress during transport and reassure recipients of its cleanliness.
• Label it: Consider taping a short note stating the mattress has been cleaned and inspected for pests to increase trust and transparency.

Why Proper Mattress Disposal Matters for the Planet

Each year, over 50,000 mattresses are discarded daily in the U.S., and many end up in landfills where they can take decades to decompose.

Because mattresses are large, bulky, and made with materials that aren’t easily biodegradable, they take up valuable space and contribute to growing waste pollution.

Improper disposal — including illegal dumping — can also harm local ecosystems, release toxic chemicals into the environment, and put wildlife at risk.

By donating or recycling your mattress instead, you’re helping to divert waste from landfills and support a more sustainable future.

Choosing to donate or recycle a mattress reduces your environmental footprint and supports community efforts to extend the life of usable goods. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

Who Offers Mattress Donation Pickup Services?

While some charities do offer pickup of donated items like a mattress set or furniture, availability and wait times can vary.

If you’re tired of searching for mattress donation near me and waiting for charity pickup, you can book a pickup with a green mattress removal company that ensures your mattress is either donated or recycled responsibly.

Mattress Disposal Plus is a nationwide mattress removal company that picks up used mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture for donation or recycling.

Our eco-friendly approach includes both furniture donation and mattress recycling, depending on the condition of the items.

Whenever you need to get rid of an old mattress, box spring, bed frame, furniture, or just about any other junk you can think of, give Mattress Disposal Plus a call.

Still have questions? Learn more about our mattress removal & disposal services and how you can book a pickup with us.