When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, DreamSlumber earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
To dispose of a mattress, first see if you can recycle it or if your retailer offers take-back when you buy a new one from them. Otherwise, check if you can schedule a municipal waste pickup or dispose of it via a landfill transfer station. Before you haul it independently, verify if your city requires appointments or specific bagging rules. To avoid sanitation fines and prevent pests from spreading, wrap the item securely before disposal. Finally, if your mattress is wet, its structure is broken, or infested, instead of donating, use a compliant disposal method.
You have finally decided to upgrade your mattress, but don’t know what to do with your old, battered mattress that is blocking your door. Getting rid of it is an easy task if you know how to dispose of a mattress safely and correctly. You can not just abandon it, as it may lead to an illegal dumping fine, creating a headache for both you and your community.
The best way to dispose of it depends on your mattress’s condition and your city’s regulations. If it is clean and usable, you may consider donating it or checking if your new retailer offers a take-back program. If your unit is beyond repair, you can get it handled by recycling initiatives like Bye Bye Mattress or a waste pickup. In many regions, extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs managed by the Mattress Recycling Council provide accessible transfer stations with rules on bagging for disposal. To learn more, continue reading to get step-by-step instructions on mattress disposal safely and legally in your region.
Way 1: Choose the Best Mattress Disposal Option (Fast Decision Guide)
The correct way to dispose of your old bed depends on its current condition. If it is in good condition and has no stains, consider reaching out to a local charity for a donation. Also, check if your unit qualifies under their intake rules. The fastest solution is a junk removal mattress service that handles everything, from hauling it to disposing of it. However, it comes with high disposal fees.
Before you decide to throw out your mattress, check out this decision matrix to decide the best possible option:
| Mattress Condition | Priority | Best Disposal Method |
| Like-new or Very Clean | High Convenience | Retailer take-back (if buying new) |
| Gently Used/Intact | Eco-Friendly | Mattress recycling via Bye Bye Mattress |
| Old/Structurally Broken | Low Cost | Bulky waste pickup or bulk trash mattress pickup |
| Wet, Moldy, or Infested | Safety First | Landfill transfer station or professional junk removal |
You must go for a legal method for waste disposal to avoid any illegal dumping mattress fines in your neighborhood. Check if your city offers a pick-up service for waste to keep the abandoned furniture from blocking sidewalks or creating public health hazards.
Way 2: Check Your Local Rules Before You Move Anything (Appointments, Bagging, Fees, Fines)
The rules for waste removal vary from city to city, and missing even a slight detail, such as pickup time, can lead to hefty fines. One can not dump a mattress on the sidewalk without following specific wrapping protocols. Many states, such as California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon, mandate EPR laws. This means you can avail a financial incentive or a free-of-cost mattress haul away as per your local rules.
To get started and avoid any safe disposal headaches, check with your local sanitation department:
- Bagging Requirements: Major cities, like New York, require proper bagging of a mattress for disposal in a sealed bag to keep pests from spreading.
- Fines for Non-Compliance: In cities like NYC, if you do not seal your mattress, a fine of USD 100 will be imposed on you.
- Set-out Windows: Some municipalities require you to place your waste items on the curbside during a specified time window before its scheduled pick-up. Placing it too early or too late may result in a fine.
- Quantity Limits: Check the quantity limits on large items set by your area. For more than one item, you may have to book an appointment for separate pickup.
- Box Spring Disposal: You may have to dispose of the box spring and mattress together or separately, as some programs treat them as two units with separate fees.
These waste disposal rules are strict, keeping in mind the safety of your neighbourhood. For example, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) mandates that mattresses must be sealed in a bag of any color except red or orange.
Pro Tip: If you want to know “how to dispose of a mattress legally in my city”, call your local 311 or waste management department.
Way 3: Prep the Mattress For Pickup or Transport (Wrap, Label, Protect Others)
After verifying your local regulations, prep your mattress for safe disposal. This is done to protect sanitation works, prevent the spread of pests, and ensure timely collection. If you are wondering how to dispose of a mattress and box spring together, you have to prepare both pieces individually in order to comply with recycling standards.
To get started, follow this prep routine:
- Strip and Dry: Take off all the bedding and protectors, and check if your mattress is completely dry and free from mold.
- Seal it Up: Take a heavy-duty, large plastic bag and seal each of its seams with packing tape.
- Address Pest Risks: If you notice pest infestation in the mattress, label the bag with ‘INFESTED’ or ‘BED BUGS’ in bold letters to alert handlers.
- Secure the Load: If you have to drive your mattress in a truck to the landfill, use ratchet straps. This makes sure the mattress stays put throughout the journey.
Other than being a legal requirement, mattress bagging makes sure sanitary disposal for public health. Mattress Recycling Council emphasizes that containment measures prevent the cross-contamination of recycling facilities and keep workers safe from allergens and pests.
Way 4: Recycle Your Mattress (Best Environmental Option When Available)
The best sustainable way to dispose of your mattress is to recycle it. A study says that 75% of the materials in a mattress can be broken down to be reused in other industries. Many programs like Bye Bye Mattress help recycle non-renewable waste from landfills. These help minimize the impact of bulky items on the environment and the costs of waste transportation.
Your old bed can help provide raw materials like:
- Steel Springs: Sold as scrap metal after getting melted to create steel.
- Polyurethane Foam: Repurposed into carpet or blankets after being shredded.
- Natural Fibers: Cotton and wool are cleaned and processed for industrial insulation or filters.
- Wood Frames: The box spring is chipped for mulch or biomass fuel.
When you buy a new mattress, you pay a small fee for EPR services. These funds are used to support the recycling process in states like California, Oregon, and Connecticut, making disposal accessible for all.
- How to Use: Go to the program’s official website to locate your nearby drop-off facility.
- Cost: The service is free at the designated sites.
Recycling Options Comparison
| Option | Best For | Requirements | Cost/Fees |
| EPR Drop-off | State-funded recycling | Proof of residency, and the unit must be dry. | Free or low-cost |
| Private Recycler | Areas without EPR laws | Appointment usually required. | Moderate mattress disposal fees |
| Transfer Station | Rural areas/No recycling | Identification and vehicle size limits. | Based on weight or unit count |
Way 5: Use Retailer Haul-Away When Buying a New Mattress (Often Easiest)
If you are wondering, “Will a mattress store take my old mattress when delivering a new one?” The answer is yes. In California, for example, retailers are legally bound to provide a mattress haul away when they deliver your new mattress. This is a convenient and sustainable method of mattress disposal.
Additionally, you must also check the retailer’s requirements, as they can refuse pickup if the mattress is moldy, unhygienic, or infested with bed bugs. Hence, consider these factors:
- Contamination Rules: Read the retailer’s take-back policy carefully and prep your old mattress accordingly.
- Foundation Inclusion: Confirm if the service covers the full bed setup, which includes the box spring, or only the mattress.
- Scheduling: Make sure you opt in for old mattress removal at the time of checkout. Do not wait until the delivery to confirm the services.
Questions to Ask Your Retailer
- Is the haul-away service free, or is there a separate fee for disposing old mattress?
- Do you also include the box spring disposal as part of the take-away service?
- Will the mattress be sent to a recycling facility or a landfill?
- What are the requirements for my old mattress to be accepted?
Way 6: Schedule Municipal Bulky Pickup (If Your City Offers It)
Most people do not own a truck or just want to discard an old mattress without purchasing a new one. In such cases, the common question is, “Does my city pick up mattresses for bulk trash?” In many U.S. urban or suburban areas, you can schedule a bulk trash pickup either for free or as a service through 311.
To make sure your mattress disposal is legal and avoid mattress disposal fines, follow these steps:
- Book Early: Schedule the pickup at least 24-48 hours before your trash day.
- Check Fees: Some cities offer 1-2 free pickups annually or charge USD 20-75 per item.
- Follow Bagging Rules: Keep your mattress in a sealed heavy-duty bag for curbside pickup.
- Timing: Put the mattress out during the designated window to avoid any fines.
You can not just dump your mattress at the curb. You must make sure it is supported against a wall or placed such that it does not block the sidewalk or fire hydrants. If your city fails to pick up on time, you must move it back to avoid fines.
Pickup Rules You Must Confirm
| Rule Category | What to Verify | Why It Matters |
| Appointment | Is it on-demand or a fixed monthly day? | Prevents the mattress from sitting out for weeks. |
| Bagging | Is a sealed plastic bag required? | Avoids fines and collection refusal. |
| Quantity | How many units can I set out? | Trucks have limited space. |
| Weather | Do I need a tarp if it rains? | Wet mattresses are often too heavy for manual lifting. |
Way 7: Donate or Sell The Mattress (Only If It Meets Strict Acceptance Rules)
You can also donate a mattress if your mattress is structurally sound and usable. While the intent is noble, in 2026, the acceptance of donated items is governed by health and safety standards. To answer your question, can I donate a used mattress, and where to donate it? Most Goodwill centers and Habitat for Humanity ReStores mention mattresses and box springs as unacceptable items. However, the Salvation Army may accept them if they are in good condition.
To donate your mattress, use the following checklist to see if it can get a second life:
- Surface Integrity: Check if the surface of the mattress is free from visible stains or shows no signs of pilling from wear.
- Structural Support: Make sure that the mattress is not sagging, springs are intact, and it is free from body impressions.
- Scent and Hygiene: If you have pets, make sure there is no smell or sign of dog pee on it. Make sure you follow a cleaning routine to maintain the overall hygiene of your mattress.
- Pest Clearance: Before donating, the mattress must not have a history of bed bugs or other pests.
Donating your mattress is a charitable act, so make sure you show transparency in your efforts. If it fails to qualify for donation, opt for the recycling option and follow bed bug mattress disposal protocols.
Donation and Selling Checklists
| Donation Readiness Checklist | Marketplace Photo Checklist |
| Vacuum the entire surface and edges. | Take a clear photo of the tag to show age/materials. |
| Spot-clean any minor, non-organic marks. | Capture its side-profile to show there is no sagging. |
| Secure the original purchase receipts if available. | Include a photo of the mattress with a protector on it. |
| Bag the mattress in clear plastic for transport. | Zoom in on the corners to show they are clean and intact. |
Way 8: Drop It Off At a Landfill/Transfer Station or Use Junk Removal (When Recycling/Pickup Won’t Work)
Often, recycling is not an option if it is heavily damaged or contaminated, and you can not access a municipal pickup service. In this case, check if you can dispose of your mattress through a landfill transfer station or junk removal mattress service. These disposal methods are effective but expensive.
Here are a few tips to consider before you take your mattress to the landfill:
- Verify Station Hours: Note the timing for public drop-off hours from your station’s website.
- Secure Your Load: Use ratchet straps to secure the mattress on the truck bed or roof rack.
- Ask for Receipts: This will help you verify that your unit is being handled legally.
- Check the Cost: Ask your station how much does mattress disposal cost at the landfill, and if it is charged by weight or per unit.
Rather than abandoning your used mattress, you must opt for these junk removal methods to keep your city clean. Make sure you choose an authorised hauler to avoid any illegal dumping fines.
Way 9: After Disposal: Document It and Prevent The Next Disposal Headache
Once you have understood how to get rid of a mattress, the final step is its documentation. Many landlords require proof of disposal from tenants, and even homeowners need documentation for warranty claims. That is why you must keep your recycling receipt handy to resolve disputes with HOAs or city inspectors.
If you want to skip the hassle of disposing of your mattress every 2 to 3 years, follow these steps to enhance its durability:
- Use a Mattress Protector: Invest in a breathable and moisture-wicking protector to encase your mattress and keep it in recyclable condition.
- Save Your Paperwork: After making a new purchase, store the mattress’s warranty and law tag in a file.
- Stay Updated: The mattress disposal fees and EPR regulations are updated each year, so make sure to take note of them.
- Plan the Exit: For purchasing your new bed, opt for retailers that offer take-back services.
In 2026, many U.S. regions are now focusing on circular economies. This means many mattress drop-off locations are being added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a mattress on the curb for trash pickup?
You may leave your mattress on the curb only if your city offers a bulk trash pick-up facility upon appointment. Once you have confirmed this, cover your bed in a plastic bag before placing it. If you place the bed on the wrong day, you may get a fine from your local code enforcement.
Do I need to bag a mattress before curbside pickup?
Yes, in most U.S. states and urban areas, it is a mandatory requirement to seal your mattress in a heavy-duty bag. This helps prevent the infestation of bugs and pests during transportation. If you do not follow this procedure, the sanitation worker or driver may refuse the pickup.
Where can I recycle a mattress near me?
You can find your nearest recycling center by using the Bye Bye Mattress program locator. It helps identify the participating facilities in the states that enforce EPR laws. Otherwise, use directories like Earth911 to locate them in other areas.
Will a retailer take my old mattress when delivering a new one?
Yes, if your retailer offers a take-back service with a new purchase, you can dispose of your mattress with them. To avail this offer, make sure you select the haul-away option at the check out. Additionally, check if your state mandates retailers to provide this service when you buy a replacement.
Why won’t many charities accept mattress donations?
Many old mattresses are infested with bugs and pests, not meeting the health and safety regulations. This is the reason why most charitable organizations refuse to accept used mattresses. They also lack the appropriate resources to sanitize old beds for reuse.
How to dispose of a mattress with bed bugs safely?
For the responsible disposal of a mattress with bed bugs, first seal it in a plastic bag. After that, label the bag with a bold marker that it contains bugs or is infested. This helps workers at the landfill stations or the driver handle the unit with precautions.
How much does mattress disposal usually cost?
The cost of disposing of a mattress depends on your waste removal method. The municipal pickup is usually free-of-cost, while it may cost up to USD 150 for professional services. If you take the mattress yourself to the facility, a small fee may be required based on a per-unit rate.
Conclusion
This guide on how to dispose of a mattress helps you understand the safe and legal methods of getting rid of your old mattress. Begin by assessing the mattress’s condition to see if it can be given away as a donation. Otherwise, you can send your mattress for recycling, look for programs like Bye Bye Mattress near you. If your state enforces EPR guidelines, you can contact the municipal waste disposal services that offer waste disposal services at a low cost. If these services are not available, you can schedule a professional haul to the landfill or drive your mattress there yourself. When purchasing a replacement, opt for retailers that offer a free take-away service.
Before placing your mattress on the curb, check local regulations to avoid any fines. If the mattress is infested with bed bugs, seal the unit in a plastic bag before disposal. Once the disposal process is over, maintain proper documentation of hauling and landfill receipts to avoid HOA disputes.
