How to Get Rid of a Mattress (Cheap & Free Options)

Mattresses are bulky, awkward, and most regular trash services won't take them. Here are your best options for mattress disposal.

Free Mattress Disposal

1. County Bulk Pickup

Most counties accept mattresses through free bulk waste pickup. This is your best free option if you can wait for scheduled pickup.

• Schedule through your county or city (call 311)
• Place mattress at curb on pickup day
• May need to wrap in plastic (check local rules)

2. Retailer Haul-Away

When buying a new mattress, many stores offer free or low-cost removal:

• Mattress Firm: Free removal with delivery
• Casper/Purple/Leesa: Often free haul-away with purchase
• Costco: Check current delivery options

3. Donation (If in Good Condition)

Some charities accept mattresses, but standards are strict. Must be stain-free, no tears, no bed bugs.

• Habitat ReStore (call first - policies vary)
• Local homeless shelters
• Furniture banks

Paid Options

Self-Haul to Landfill

• Cost: $10-30 per mattress at most transfer stations
• You'll need a truck or SUV with seats down
• Some landfills charge by weight, others flat fee

Mattress Recycling

Mattresses are 90% recyclable. Some areas have dedicated recyclers:

• Springs and metal: Recycled as scrap
• Foam: Reused for carpet padding
• Fabric and fiber: Used for industrial applications

Search "mattress recycling [your city]" for local options.

Professional Junk Removal

• Cost: $75-150 per mattress (includes labor)
• Same-day service available
• They handle moving and disposal

Tips for Mattress Disposal

• Check for bed bugs before disposal - may require special handling
• Wrap in plastic if required by your county
• Don't leave at curb before scheduled pickup (code violation)
• Box springs usually disposed of the same way