How to Dispose of a Mattress

Mattresses Stacked Next to Dumpster

The Complete Mattress Disposal Guide

Wondering how to get rid of that old mattress? Despite being bulky and heavy, there are several convenient ways to dispose of mattresses, including renting a dumpster, donating and recycling it.

A gently-used mattress can be donated, but if yours is old and worn out, you’ll need to throw it away. We’ve compiled the best mattress and box spring disposal options so you can find the most efficient method for your needs.

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Mattress Disposal Options

1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster

If you’re getting rid of an old mattress as part of a home cleanout, renting a dumpster is a great option for disposing of all your junk at once. With a dumpster rental on your property, you can easily carry your mattress, box spring and other materials into the container and have it all hauled away when you’re done cleaning up. Budget Dumpster’s services are a cost-effective junk removal option, and you can keep your dumpster on-site for a weekend or longer and work at your own pace.

Dumpster Filled With Mattresses on Blueprint Background

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • No need to be home for delivery or pickup.
  • Not ideal for disposing of only one mattress.
  • Offers a guaranteed, scheduled disposal of your mattresses and box springs.
  • In some cities, mattresses and box springs are not allowed in dumpsters or will incur an additional disposal fee. Call our team to learn more about accepted materials in your area.
  • A low, upfront rate is provided ahead of time.
  • Allows you to throw away mattresses and other household junk at one time.

Ready to Rent a Dumpster?

2. Check With Your Local Trash Collection Service

In some areas, municipal curbside services will remove mattresses during weekly collection days or on specified bulk pickup days. Reach out to your town’s trash and recycling service to see if this is an option in your area and how items should be prepared for pickup.

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • Low-cost disposal option.
  • Not available in all areas.
  • Extra work involved is minimal.
  • Useful if you’re only throwing away one mattress.
  • You’ll need to store your mattress until your city’s scheduled collection day.
  • There may be an additional fee for mattress disposal.
Workers Carrying Wrapped Mattress Into a Truck

3. Hire a Junk Removal Company

Junk removal services are another option for mattress removal. The company will come to your location and haul away your mattress and other junk in their truck. However, you won't get a quote for this service until they see how much space your items take up in the truck. You will also need to be on-site and work within the two-hour window they provide.

Benefits

Things to Consider

  • Heavy lifting is done for you.
  • Price is subject to increase upon arrival.
  • Offers a scheduled removal of your old mattress.
  • You must be present for the pickup window.
  • Best for removing only a small amount of junk.
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How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost?

Mattress removal costs can range from $10 up to $700, depending on the number and size of the mattresses you’re getting rid of, as well as the service you choose and your location.

The average cost of a junk hauling service is $297, which usually covers 9 cubic yards, or 3 pickup truck loads, of junk.

If you are getting rid of multiple mattresses as well as other household junk, a dumpster rental will be the most economical option. The average cost of a 20 yard dumpster rental is $447, which includes more than double that amount of debris and can fit multiple mattresses and box springs.

When you rent a dumpster for mattress and box spring disposal, you can choose a container size that fits the amount of trash you have. And you can keep your dumpster on-site until you’ve finished cleaning up, making it the timelier and more efficient disposal option.

Costs of Various Mattress Disposal Options

Disposal Option

Cost

 
Cost to Rent a 20 Yard Dumpster
 

 
$447 on average, with prices ranging from $264 to $687.
 

 
Cost of a Junk Removal Service
 

 
Around $275 for a quarter bedload to $600 for a full bedload.
 

 
Cost to Dispose of a Mattress Yourself
 

Mattress disposal costs between $10 - $50 per item at most landfills. This does not include the cost of a truck rental, gas and time spent hauling the materials.

 
Cost to Use a Recycling Service
 

Mattress recycling costs between $20 - $40 per item in most areas.

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Mattress Recycling Options

Looking to give your old mattress new life? There are a few options for mattress recycling that will keep it out of the landfill and reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Consult the Mattress Recycling Council

In California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, you are legally required to recycle mattresses through a program administered by the Mattress Recycling Council, which costs between $10 and $17 per mattress. To get rid of your mattress in these locations, you will need to have your mattress removed by the retailer when your new one arrives or deliver it to a certified recycling facility yourself.

Mattress Recycling Council Logo

2. Find a Recycling Location Near You

There are also more than 20 other states with at least one mattress recycling facility. Use PlushBeds' recycling guide to find a facility near you. Fees may apply.

3. Ask About Retailer Take-Back Services

If you’re in the process of buying a new mattress, ask the retailer if they will remove and recycle your old mattress when delivering the new one. This common option is convenient, but may include a small fee.

Mattress Donation Options

Even if you are getting a new one, you may not have to throw your old mattress away if it doesn’t show much wear. If the mattress is less than 5 to 7 years old and does not have any rips, stains, frayed edges or obvious signs of compression, it could still be useful to someone else.

1. Find It a New Home

Check with relatives and friends who may be looking for an extra mattress, or simply want to replace their current one. As long your as mattress is in good shape, this is a great way to keep it out of the landfill.

2. Donate Your Mattress to a Local Nonprofit

There are several nonprofit organizations and institutions that would gladly take your gently-used mattress. The groups below generally accept mattress donations, though local policies may differ.

These organizations usually offer mattress pickup:

These organizations typically require mattress drop-off:

  • Places of worship
  • Local charities and shelters
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Disposal

Can mattresses be put in a dumpster where I live?

Can I mix other debris with mattresses in a dumpster rental?

Are there any fees for disposing of a mattress in a dumpster?

Can I break apart my mattress and throw away the accepted materials?

Can I dispose of box springs in the same way as a mattress?

Find the Right Dumpster for Your Project

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