Mattress disposal and removal solutions

Here are some good options for the disposal and removal of mattresses in a responsible way.

1. If your mattress is still in a good usable condition, then you can list it on Craigslist or other online marketplaces for a price or under the “free” category.
2. Check with the local charities in your city if they are allowed to accept old mattresses, and if they do, then you can donate your mattress that’s in a usable condition.
3. Check for a Bye Bye Mattress Program in your city or a similar search engine like Earth911, which helps you find drop-off locations for discarding your old mattress and box springs. There are over 100 such mattress recycling centers nationwide.
4. Check with your mattress brand to see if they will take your old mattress back when delivering a new one. Many brands have this policy to take back the old mattress if it’s in an acceptable condition.
5. Contact 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and schedule a mattress pickup at your convenience to dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner where possible.

If you're looking for more options, head to our guide on how to dispose of your mattress.

Rules and regulations differ from city to city, so accepting mattresses with bed bugs might not be possible for every 1-800-GOT-JUNK? location.

If you are dealing with a bed bug problem, please let us know ahead of time when you book your on-site estimate. If we’re able to accept it, we ask that you have a pest control professional treat and wrap your mattress completely in plastic before we arrive to pick up the old mattress. It should also be labeled as “Contains Bed Bugs” to alert others who may handle the mattress. This helps to ensure that the bed bugs from your mattress aren't spread to other people's homes.

Absolutely! As long as your mattress is in good condition, it can be donated. This means your mattress should be free from stains, rips, or tears, and not be broken in any way. Each local charitable organization that accepts mattress donations will have slightly different standards for what they take, so it’s best to check with them before you drop it off.

Yes, old bed mattresses can be recycled and the practice is fairly common. Through mattress recycling, approximately 80-90% of the mattress can be reused. That’s quite a lot of material that can be reused and turned into new products! These materials can also be processed and reused to make upcycled mattresses that are as good as brand-new ones.

Steel springs, wood frames, stuffing, and fabric are all contained in a mattress and can be recycled and reused in different ways. However, mattresses can’t simply be left out for pickup with your regular recycling. You’ll often need to find a facility that specializes in the mattress recycling process, and you’ll need to transport it there on your own. But, if you can’t transport it to your local recycling center, junk removal services can help accommodate you.

When you decide to recycle your old mattress, you help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in your local landfill. Many parts of the mattress need to be recycled, as they take decades to decompose if they end up in a landfill. Read more here if you'd like to find out why it's important to recycle your old mattress.

There are several signs that it's time to get a new mattress. These include:

1. The mattress is over 8 years old. 
2.  It creaks or squeaks when you move on it. 
3. It rolls you toward the center when you lie down.
4. Your back hurts when you get up in the morning.
5. You don’t feel like you get a restful sleep each night. 
6. The mattress noticeably sags in the middle. 
7. You often wake up feeling congested due to dust allergies.

Sleeping on an old mattress could have long term effects on your health, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Yes, old mattresses often cause allergies. If you have allergy symptoms only at night time, your mattress could be infested with dust mites! They are one of the most common household allergens and like to hide in the cotton folds of your mattress. If you think this is the case, it’s best to get rid of the mattress immediately and get a new one that is dust mite resistant. 

Most cities have regulations against illegally dumped mattresses, including not disposing of them in local landfills or leaving them behind your dumpster. Leaving used mattresses on the side of the road can be more than unsightly, it can attract pests and negatively impact the environment. Some cities have designated recycling facilities, and residents are required to use them. If you're unsure of how to legally haul away a mattress, call the mattress disposal pros at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.