How to Responsibly Get Rid of a Mattress

Can You Throw a Mattress in a Dumpster?

Mattresses aren’t meant for the curb, and dumping them improperly can lead to fines, extra disposal fees, or environmental harm. In many states, it’s illegal to discard a mattress with regular trash or leave it out for pickup without scheduling a bulk waste collection. 

California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island have mattress recycling laws that prohibit landfill disposal entirely. Even in states without formal bans, most cities require that mattresses be handled separately due to their size, materials, and potential health risks.

Despite these restrictions and environmental concerns, Americans still send 15 to 20 million mattresses to landfills every year, even though up to 80% of the materials inside can be recycled. When mattresses end up in landfills, they take up a disproportionate amount of space, making them difficult to compact or crush.

Because of their springs and bulky design, they require special equipment to break down, which raises operational costs and increases wear on landfill machinery. As they decompose in low-oxygen conditions, they also release methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.

Instead of tossing it, you’ve got better options. You can recycle it, donate it, or even repurpose the parts. Anything’s better than sending it straight to the landfill!

Signs Your Mattress Needs Replacing

Not sure if your mattress has reached the end of its life? These are some of the most common signs it's time for a replacement:

• You wake up feeling tired and sore.

• You can feel the springs poking through.

• Your mattress is noisy when you move.

• You can’t get comfortable on your mattress.

• Your mattress looks more like a hammock than a bed.

• Your allergies get worse at night.

Most mattresses last 7 to 10 years, but not all mattresses are equal. Here are the common lifespans of different types of mattresses:

Responsible Mattress Disposal Options

Renting a Dumpster for Mattress Disposal

If you're getting rid of a few mattresses at once, renting a dumpster is one of the easiest ways to get them out of the way. You won’t have to schedule multiple pickups or figure out how to haul them yourself. Just load everything into the dumpster, and we’ll handle the rest.

Sourgum offers roll-off dumpsters with next-day delivery, straightforward pricing, and support if you have questions about what can go in. We also work with local facilities to recycle as much material as possible, including mattresses when allowed by state and facility rules.

When it comes to mattresses, rules depend on where you live. Some states allow them in dumpsters with no problem, while others have restrictions or require special handling. If there are any extra steps or fees involved, we’ll let you know upfront.

Before you book, make sure the dumpster size you choose can handle the volume and weight of the mattresses.

If you’re not sure, just ask! We’ll help you figure it out.

Free Mattress Recycling Programs

Mattresses are made from materials like foam, metal, fabric, and wood, all of which can be separated and recycled. As more people and states recognize this, mattress recycling programs have expanded to meet the demand.

As mentioned earlier, California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island have statewide recycling initiatives. Programs like ByeByeMattress allow residents to drop off old mattresses and box springs at no cost.

You can also find other mattress recycling centers by using Earth911, which has a directory of over 100 locations nationwide. In addition, some cities operate local recycling centers that accept mattresses and may offer scheduled bulky item pickups for convenience.

DIY Mattress Recycling

When there’s no recycling center nearby that accepts whole mattresses, you can still take it apart yourself and recycle the usable materials. 

• Break down the mattress and box spring yourself

If you have the space, time, and tools to break down your mattress, you can separate the mattress's recyclable parts. These parts may be accepted by recycling facilities, such as fabric recycling centers and scrap metal recycling centers.

• Upcycle your mattress

Upcycling means taking something old and giving it a new purpose instead of throwing it away. 

A mattress actually has a bunch of parts you can work with, so if you’ve got a wooden box spring, you can turn it into a raised garden bed, a compost bin, or even a simple storage rack. 

The metal springs are great for garden trellises or quirky DIY projects like wine racks or candle holders. Foam padding can be cut up and used as pet beds, floor cushions, or padding for moving furniture. Even the fabric might come in handy for drop cloths, cleaning rags, or craft projects.

Donating a Used Mattress

If you’re not going to reuse or repurpose your old mattress, giving it to someone who needs it is a much better move than tossing it. A lot of people can’t afford a new bed, and if yours is still in decent shape, it could make a real difference for someone else.

Charities, thrift stores, shelters, and donation networks may accept used mattresses, but only if they meet certain basic standards. Before you load it up, check for the following:

• No infestations - If there’s any sign of bed bugs, mold, or other pests, it’s not safe to donate.

• No structural damage - A mattress that sags, creaks, or has broken springs isn’t usable and won’t be accepted.

• No rips or holes - Even small tears, burns, or bite marks can disqualify it.

• No stains - Any kind of visible staining, even minor, is usually a dealbreaker unless it can be fully cleaned.

• No strong odors - If the mattress has a persistent smell that you can’t remove, it’s better to dispose of it in other ways.

If your mattress passes all of that, you can call ahead to confirm the organization can take it. 

To find a donation site, check out services like Donation Town or United Way. You can also try larger organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, though availability depends on your local branch.

Sell or Give Your Mattress Away

If your mattress is in really good condition, you might be able to sell it through an online marketplace like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. 

These platforms also work well if you just want to give it away since plenty of people are willing to pick up a free mattress, especially if it’s clean and ready to use.

Another option is to leave it curbside with a “free” sign, but make sure that’s allowed in your area. Some cities or homeowner associations have rules against leaving bulky items on the street. If it is allowed, wrap the mattress in plastic to keep it clean and make it easier for someone to take.

Mattress Pickup Services

Mattress retailers

Many retailers will pick up your old mattress when they deliver your new one. In some states, like California, this service is even required by law. 

In Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon, mattress recycling is funded through a fee at the point of sale, but retailers are not required to take back your old mattress unless they choose to offer that service.

Municipal waste services

Your city may offer bulk waste pickups that include mattresses. Reach out to your local waste department to schedule a pickup by phone or online.

Junk removal companies

Junk removal services will typically take your old mattress, but they usually charge by weight or by how much space the item takes up in the truck. Just make sure to check pricing ahead of time so there are no surprises.