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How to Dispose of a Mattress, the Right Way

Disposing of a mattress properly is important for environmental and health reasons. An old mattress takes up space in landfills and can release harmful chemicals if not recycled or discarded correctly. Fortunately, there are several right ways to get rid of a mattress depending on your city’s recycling rules and pickup options.

Do You Need to Replace Your Mattress?

Before disposing of your mattress, first consider whether you really need a new one. Here are some signs it may be time to replace your mattress:

  • You’ve had the mattress for over 7-10 years. Most mattresses last this long before needing replacement.
  • There are visible sagging spots or indentations. This indicates the inner support has weakened.
  • You regularly wake up with aches and pains. An old mattress lacks support and can cause discomfort.
  • You see any rips, tears, or exposed springs. This signals substantial wear.
  • There are visible stains or you notice musty odors. This can indicate mold or mildew.
  • You find yourself sleeping better elsewhere, like hotels. Your mattress may not be keeping you as comfortable.

If you experience any of these issues, it’s likely time to start mattress disposal and look for a replacement.

Dangers of Improper Mattress Disposal

Simply placing an old mattress with your weekly curbside trash pickup or dumping it illegally can cause problems:

  • Landfill waste: Mattresses take up significant space in landfills because they can’t be compacted like other waste.
  • Chemical leakage: Mattresses contain foam, metal springs, fibers and flame retardants that can leak dangerous chemicals when buried.
  • Breeding ground for pests: Discarded mattresses provide an ideal environment for bed bugs, rodents and mold.
  • Fire hazard: Mattresses can more easily catch fire when buried together in landfills.
  • Illegal dumping fines: It may seem convenient to leave a mattress near a dumpster or on an empty lot, but hefty fines can apply.
  • Clean neighborhood disruption: Illegally dumped mattresses lower neighborhood curb appeal and property values.

Clearly, improper mattress disposal harms the environment and community health. It pays to learn the right methods.

Ways to Dispose of a Mattress Responsibly

When it comes time for mattress removal, what are the recommended options? Here are environmentally-friendly ways to dispose of a mattress correctly:

Check with Your Local Waste Management Company

  • See if they offer special mattress pickup or drop-off days. Some municipalities let residents leave mattresses curbside 1-2 times per year on specified dates. There may be fees of $10-$30.
  • Ask if the waste company has drop-off locations or transfer stations for mattress recycling. Fees typically apply.
  • Inquire if old mattresses can be picked up with other bulky items like furniture. Extra fees usually apply.

Donate the Mattress

  • Charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity accept mattress donations in some areas. Call ahead to see if a usable mattress can be picked up.
  • Shelters and transitional housing programs may take gently used mattresses. Contact local housing non-profits to find options.
  • List the mattress for free on Craigslist or Facebook. Clearly state the condition and arrange pickup.

Use an Independent Recycling Program

  • Search for mattress recycling facilities in your state. Over 50 exist nationwide. They dismantle mattresses and keep materials out of landfills. Expect to pay a recycling fee.
  • Ask your new mattress retailer if they offer haul-away of the old mattress. Companies like Mattress Firm offer this service. Fees range from $50-$150.
  • Check for mattress removal companies that recycle the materials. Fees start around $100.

Rent a Dumpster

  • For large household projects, consider renting a dumpster. You can toss the old mattress inside along with other items. Rental fees apply.
  • If sharing a dumpster with neighbors, make sure mattresses are allowed. Some companies prohibit bedding for sanitation reasons.

DIY Mattress Disposal

Only attempt DIY mattress disposal as a last resort:

  • Use a utility knife to cut the mattress into manageable pieces if allowed in your area. Wear protective gloves and goggles.
  • Check if your local landfill allows household dumping of cut mattresses for a fee. Call ahead.
  • Only attempt to transport a discarded mattress in an enclosed truck or van. Tie down all pieces securely.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these harmful ways of getting rid of an old mattress:

  • Don’t put it out on the curb unless you have confirmed your waste company will collect it.
  • Don’t dump it in a commercial dumpster or vacant lot. This usually leads to fines.
  • Don’t bury it or burn it. This can release toxic chemicals into the ground or air.
  • Don’t discard it into a lake, river or ocean. Mattresses can’t decompose in water.
  • Don’t improperly store it outside. This risks pests nesting in the mattress.

In summary, do your homework to find responsible mattress disposal options in your region. The small effort goes a long way towards environmental protection.

Steps to Prepare Your Mattress for Disposal

Once you choose a mattress disposal method, take steps to prepare:

Strip Off the Bedding

  • Remove all sheets, mattress pads and pillows. These soft items may still be usable.
  • Launder everything before donating to kill dust mites or bed bugs.

Vacuum the Mattress Surface

  • Use the crevice tool to vacuum all sides and creases thoroughly. This removes debris and bed bugs if present.
  • Sprinkle some baking soda and let sit briefly before vacuuming again to freshen.

Disinfect the Mattress

  • Mix 1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water and spray over the entire mattress surface.
  • Let the disinfectant sit 10 minutes before letting air dry. This kills germs and mold.
  • Consider using an eco-friendly disinfectant if concerned about chemicals.

Air Out the Mattress

  • Stand the mattress upright and let it air out in the sun for a few hours if possible.
  • The sunlight and ventilation helps remove musty odors.
  • Turn and rotate periodically for even air circulation.

Wrap in Plastic Sheeting

  • Covering with plastic sheeting contains dust and pests. It also keeps the mattress dry during transport.
  • Use thick plastic drop cloths or painters sheeting and seal with tape.

Affix a “Do Not Recycle” Note

  • Clearly label the mattress to avoid mixups. Write “Do Not Recycle” and “Mattress Disposal”.
  • Attach the note securely so it stays on. Print on orange paper that stands out.

Following these steps eliminates concerns about bed bugs, stains or odors during mattress disposal.

Where to Donate a Usable Mattress

If you’re fortunate to have a mattress in good condition to donate, here are organizations that accept them:

  • Local thrift stores – Goodwill, Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul may arrange pickup of clean mattress donations. Call ahead.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores – Some locations accept mattresses to resell if they meet condition guidelines. Verify ahead.
  • Social services – Homeless and domestic violence shelters, housing programs and refugee resettlement agencies often need mattresses.
  • Churches and non-profits – Organizations supporting needy families may accept mattress donations. Ask about needs.
  • College dormitories – Campus housing departments sometimes collect bedding for incoming students. Reach out to local colleges.
  • Daycare centers – Children’s nap mats often get plenty of use. See if a daycare can take a gently used mattress.
  • Pet shelters – Mattresses can give shelter animals comfortable bedding. Call local shelters to find opportunities.
  • Theatre groups – Community theatres building sets may be able to reuse mattresses and foam as props.

When preparing a mattress to donate:

  • Clean and disinfect thoroughly. Carefully inspect for bed bugs which are common with used mattresses.
  • Wrap securely in plastic or a mattress bag to avoid dirt exposure.
  • Call ahead to schedule a drop off time. Do not just leave donated mattresses unannounced.
  • Provide any information known about the mattress like the purchase year and brand.
  • Be understanding if the organization needs to decline the donation due to condition or space constraints. Ask for alternatives.

Donating a still-usable mattress keeps it in circulation and benefits the community. Just take steps to provide it in the best shape possible.

Mattress Recycling Programs by State

Here is a state-by-state listing of mattress recycling facilities and programs:

Alabama

  • Recycle Alabama provides recycling center listings by county. Call to check mattress policies.

Alaska

  • Alaska does not currently have mattress recycling facilities. Recommended disposal is through landfills or waste management companies.

Arizona

Arkansas

California

  • Bye Bye Mattress partners with local governments, retailers and waste management companies on recycling.

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

  • Bye Bye Mattress partners with waste companies and retailers for recycling dropoff. Check fees.

Georgia

Hawaii

  • No statewide program yet, but some island landfills accept mattresses. Maui Disposal and HI5 Depots cited as examples. Expect fees.

Idaho

  • Idaho does not currently have organized mattress recycling. Recommended disposal is through standard waste removal or landfills.

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

  • No statewide program, but some landfills like Metro Waste Authority accept mattresses for a $10 fee.

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

  • No statewide program. Recommended disposal is through parish waste management or landfills. Call for guidance.

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • No statewide program. Recommended disposal is through regional or county waste management.

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

  • No statewide program, but landfills like Friedman Recycling accept mattresses for a fee. Contact facilities directly.

New York

  • Bye Bye Mattress partners with retailers, waste companies and some municipalities to provide recycling.

North Carolina

North Dakota

  • No statewide program. Recommended disposal is through county landfills and waste districts.

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

  • PalmettoPride provides a mattress drop-off locator. Fees range $2-$20 per mattress.

South Dakota

  • No statewide program. Recommended disposal is through your county waste authority. Call for options.

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

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