How to Dispose of a Mattress: Where to Recycle, Sell, Donate, or Throw Out an Old Mattress

We all know we need to recycle when we can. Unfortunately, many of us have no idea how to dispose of a mattress without it ending up in a landfill.

If you don’t want your used mattress to be one of the millions of mattresses thrown out every year, you may want to try one of these other options.

5 Ways to Dispose of a Mattress

There are 5 main ways to dispose of your mattress in the USA. Recycling, donating, selling, and repurposing are some of the most eco-friendly ways to get rid of your old mattress.

Here’s how you can accomplish each one where you live:

1. Recycle It

The most environmentally friendly way to dispose of your existing mattress is to recycle it. Almost all mattresses can be recycled. In most cases, all you need to do is contact a local mattress recycling company to pick up your mattress for a small fee, depending on where you live.

2. Donate It

If you’re looking to get rid of a mattress that is still in great working condition, consider donating it to your local thrift or charity store. Some shops offer free pickups and can even offer you tax deductions for your donation.

3. Sell It

If recycling or donating doesn’t seem like the best option for you, selling it can be both lucrative and eco-friendly. Check out online marketplaces or post on an appropriate social media page to see if there’s a need for mattresses in your area. You might get lucky, and your wallet could thank you.

4. Rather Than Dispose a Mattress, Repurpose It

If you’re interested in DIY projects, deconstructing your mattress can be an exciting project.

If your mattress has springs, you can take them to a local junkyard and sell the steel parts. Any wood can be repurposed to create a new piece of furniture or to improve your home garden. The foam, cotton, and fabric on some mattresses would work great in a homemade pillow!

5. Throw It Out

If none of the other options work for you and you think it’s time to replace your mattress, you may have to throw the old one out after all. But that doesn’t mean you can just dump it on the side of the road. Many places have rules and regulations about dumping oversized items, and doing so may result in tickets or fines.

Some places allow you to dispose of your mattress on the side of the road, but require that you wrap it in plastic. Other places, like our beloved Snohomish County, have recycling warehouses where you can get rid of large unwanted items. If none of these are options in your area, consider using a local waste disposal service.

Need a New Mattress? How to Dispose of a Mattress and Find One That Will Last

Owning a mattress that can stand the test of time is the best way to avoid mattress waste. Slumber Ease is a high-quality, custom-fit mattress company that has been in the business for over 50 years.

We take pride in being a local company that serves thousands of clients nationally while operating from our factory in the PNW. Stop buying cheap, low-quality mattresses and indulge in the best sleep of your life with Slumber Ease!