General Mattress Disposal
There are many options for mattress disposal when upgrading or replacing an old bed. Why the new mattress is purchased might impact which mattress disposal method is appropriate. For example, if the mattress still has some good useful life in it, you might consider using it in a guest room. Mattresses like these can also be donated or sold. When the old mattress has seen its last days of service, often the best avenue of mattress disposal involves hiring professionals. An insured company that enlists experienced movers can provide proper mattress disposal. Often times, these companies are full service, meaning they offer pick up services. Most likely they can pick up a mattress pretty much anywhere. Whether it is being stored in a garage or placed in the front yard, a local junk removal company might be the solution you need. To save a few bucks, you might even be able to drop off your old mattress at one of these centers.
Mattress Disposal Regulations by State: Keep it Legal
Specific areas may have mattress disposal regulations in place. Three states have developed and established mattress recycling laws: California, Rhode Island and Connecticut. These rules help residents in the states to be clear on proper mattress disposal. The Mattress Disposal Council plays a role in implementing the collection process. It also helps establish recycling centers and programs in these states. The purpose of the legislation is to reduce illegal dumping, prevent unnecessary waste and lessen the impact on the environment. As much as 80% of mattress composition can be recycled. Foam, cotton, steel and wood are just a few parts of a mattress that can be. State-wide programs like this aim to lower the almost 50,000 mattresses that are landfill-bound each day.
Reuse and Recycle vs. Mattress Disposal
Area recycling centers can not only help you with mattress disposal, they can often help with mattress removal too. You could even walk away with a small financial reward for the old mattress. Recycling centers break down used mattresses and distribute the materials for use in new products. They tend to make a little money on the sell of these materials. Some centers will charge for mattress disposal though, so be sure to verify that when you call. Thrift shops can help you find a way to reuse your mattress before completely retiring it. The United States Environmental Protection Agency cites many benefits to recycling and/or reusing. Energy is saved by less need for new product manufacturing. Also, if a mattress is being used it doesn’t require any mechanical separation or breakdown. Both recycling and reusing your old mattress also help reduce pollution.
Nonprofits Can Help with Mattress Disposal
Not-for-profit organizations can be a good resource for those looking for mattress disposal. By donating old mattresses, you can help people in the community that you live in. On top of that, in most cases, you can get a tax deduction when you donate your mattress. Not sure who to call? There are so many organizations that gladly accept used mattresses. Some organizations, such as homeless shelters, can use them on the front lines. Others may refurbish and sell your old mattress and use the funds collected to further the nonprofit’s mission. There are even organizations that exist solely to provide resources, such as used mattresses, to those who are in need of them. Contact a local church, nonprofit chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill or Salvation Army branch. The nonprofit community is a tight-knit group. The chances are, if they can’t use your mattress, someone working there will know an organization that can.
Recoup New Mattress Cost with Thrifty Mattress Disposal
Mattress disposal is not the only way to get rid of your old mattress. Why not try and make a few bucks by selling your old mattress? A number of online marketplace options exist solely to help you sell items you no longer need. Somewhere out there is a person just starting out who doesn’t mind the idea of using a previously owned mattress. Hook that person up with a good deal on a mattress and generate a little extra income to boot. Facebook and Craigslist are universally available in most areas across the country. If you’d rather, you can have a good old-fashioned garage sale instead. If you don’t want to wait for garage sale weather, try calling boutique hotels to see if they’d be interested in a deal.
You probably know someone who could use your old mattress so before paying for mattress disposal, ask around. High school seniors who may be about to leave home for the first time, are prime targets. Elderly seniors may not want to hassle with mattress shopping. Your old mattress might be a huge upgrade for someone who hasn’t had the time, money or effort for shopping. New couples might also be willing to take your previously loved full size, queen size, or larger mattress. Many times, a young adult will have a smaller mattress until they couple up. Then, a larger mattress becomes necessary. If your old mattress can still be used, tell your friends and family. See if anyone you know could use your old mattress. If not, see if they know someone who might. Giving your old mattress away is a nice thing to do and might save you money on mattress disposal.
Nationwide Mattress Disposal Options
LoadUp: LoadUp is available throughout the United States. For a charge, this up and coming company will pick up your mattress, box springs and/or bed frames. The LoadUp staff will pick items up directly inside your home so you don’t have to move anything yourself. It’s professional mattress disposal with excellent reviews.
1-800-GOT-JUNK: Junk removal services, such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can be a solution for mattress disposal and adjustable beds as well. This company offers upfront pricing and will schedule a two-hour window for pickup time. Recycling the old mattress is an option with this company. They take it to be disassembled and used for its inner parts.
JDOG Junk Removal & Hauling: is a Veteran owned service offering mattress disposal throughout our nation. Each location is owned by individuals with military connections and corporate is heavy with military trained personnel. This company is regularly expanding its coverage area and offers a military discount.
Want to donate or recycle your old mattress set but don’t have a truck or the strength to move it? Junk King, is offered in most areas. This junk removal company will do all the heavy lifting associated with mattress disposal. From your bedroom to the recycling center or donation drop off, their staff will ensure proper mattress disposal.
Recycling Centers by Zip Code
Earth911 search tool: Locating a recycling center in your area is made easy with this Earth911 search tool. Just enter the product you want to recycle and your zip code. If there are options in your area, they are listed out in the results. This online tool is user updated so if you know of any places not on the list, you can also submit them for review.
Furniture Banks
Furniture Banks: Furniture banks redistribute household furniture, such as mattresses, to those who need it. Sometimes, the recipients are fleeing an abusive relationship. Other times, the items are given to those who have lost their homes and rebuilding their lives in a new place. The importance of furniture banks in our communities is often experienced by those who have no other resources.
Goodwill
Goodwill: Thanks to Mackelmore, Goodwill is a well-known household name. This nonprofit accepts all kinds of usable donations, including mattresses. Rather than disposing of an old mattress, donating it to a Goodwill in your area helps provide jobs for those with disabilities. It could also end up being a really great deal to someone looking for a used mattress. Just like the old adage, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
The Salvation Army
Salvation Army: Profits from the Salvation Army second hand stores benefit multiple programs in the community. They fund rehabilitation for those who suffer drug addiction. They also fund Veteran’s counseling services, elderly activities and help provide children in low income households holiday assistance. Your mattress and bed frame donation to the Salvation Army, means more money is available to support these necessary programs.
Donation Town – Find Nonprofit to Pick Up Your Mattress for Free
Donation Town: Some nonprofits may need to charge for large item pickup because they incur expenses with the pickup. Donation Town is a network of nonprofits who can pick up your mattress for free. Organizations are signed up and ready to go. Just visit the Donation Town website and schedule a mattress donation pickup. Based on your zip code, you’ll be given the choice between local nonprofits who want your donation and can pick it up at no charge.
Bye Bye Mattress
Bye Bye Mattress: This program of the Recycling Mattress Council is a result of legislation mandating recycling initiatives in California, Rhode Island and Connecticut. It’s reach extends outside this jurisdiction though. Bye Bye Mattress helps you find recycling facilities and programs by state. The advance search option allows you to filter results to include those with curbside pickup or drop off locations.
Mattress Disposal Resources by State
Below is a list of companies and organizations that can help with mattress disposal in each state. We have no affiliation with any of the listed organizations. This list is provided simply as a resource. Many of the listed organizations serve the communities listed in a philanthropic manner. There are some listed that are for-profit companies. Some will pick up your mattress at no cost to you. Others may have a small fee.
Alabama – America’s thrift @americasthrift.com
Alaska – Municipality of Anchorage @muni.org
Arizona – Bridging Arizona @ bridgingaz.org/donate-your-furniture
Arkansas – Goodwill @goodwill.org
California – Bye Bye Mattress @ byebyemattress.com
Colorado – Denver Rescue Mission @denverrescuemission.org
Connecticut – Bye Bye Mattress @ byebyemattress.com
Delaware – Delaware Green Mattress Disassembling & Recycling, LLC @dgreenmdr.com
Florida – The Mustard Seed of Central Florida Furniture & Clothing Bank @mustardseedfla.org/services/mattress-recycling
Georgia – Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta @furniturebankatlanta.org
Hawaii – County of Hawahi’I Department of Environmental Management @ hawaiizerowaste.org
Idaho – Sleep in Heavenly Peace @ shpbeds.org
Illinois – Chicago Furniture Bank @chicagofurniturebank.org
Indiana – Habitat for Humanity ReStore @ indyrestore.com
Iowa – Houses Into Homes @ housesintohomes.org
Kansas – Heartland Recycling Services @heartlandrecyclingservices.com
Kentucky – Lexington City Waste Collection @lexingtonky.gov/bulky-items
Louisiana – Sleep in Heavenly Peace @ shpbeds.org
Maine – The Salvation Army @nne.salvationarmy.org/Portland-ME
Maryland – Center for Community Service A Wider Circle @ awidercircle.org
Massachusetts – Valley Recycling @ valley-recycling.us
Michigan – Bay Area Recycling for Charities @mybarc.org/mattress-recycling
Minnesota – Bridging @bridging.org/give-stuff
Mississippi – Organizers for Charity @ organizersforcharity.org/mississippi
Missouri – Home Sweet Home @ homesweethomestl.org, Avenue of Life @avenueoflife.org
Montana – YWCA @ywcaofmissoula.org/donate
Nevada – Safe House @safehousenv.org
Nebraska – Sleep in Heavenly Peace @shpbeds.org
New Hampshire – OutFITters Thrift Store @outfittersnh.org
New Jersey – Recycling NJ @ recyclingnj.com
New Mexico – Beds for Kidz @beds4kidz.org
New York – Furniture Sharehouse @furnituresharehouse.org
North Carolina – Beds for Kids @ bedsforkids.org/get-involved/furniture-donations
North Dakota – Solid Waste @cityoffargo.com
Ohio – Furniture Bank of Central Ohio @furniturebankoh.org
Oklahoma – City of Tulsa @cityoftulsa.org
Oregon – Community Warehouse @ communitywarehouse.org/give-furniture/
Pennsylvania – Nonprofit Wish List @ buckscounty.org/government/HumanServices/NonprofitWishList
Rhode Island – Bye Bye Mattress @ byebyemattress.com
South Carolina – Lowe County Furniture Bank @ lowcountyfurniturebank.org
South Dakota – Furniture Mission @ furnituremission.com
Tennessee – ThriftSmart @ thriftsmart.com
Texas – Houston Furniture Bank @houstonfurniturebank.org
Utah – International Rescue Committee @rescue.org
Vermont – ReStore of Vermont @vermonthabitat.org
Virginia – American Red Cross @ redcross.org/local/virginia
Washington – Spring Back Mattress Recycling @ springbackrecycling.com
West Virginia – Apple valley Waste @ applevalleywaste.com
Wisconsin – Seven Rivers recycling @ 7riversrecycling.com
Wyoming – Wyoming Disposal @ wyodisposal.com