How to Get Rid of an Old Mattress: The Easiest, Most Responsible Options

Getting rid of an old mattress sounds simple until you try to move it. Mattresses are bulky, awkward in tight hallways, and many trash services won’t accept them with regular pickup. That’s why a lot of people end up stuck with a mattress in the garage “for now” which turns into months.

The good news: you’ve got options. And if you want the simplest route—with no lifting, no truck rental, and no guessing about local rules—The Junkluggers can pick up your mattress and haul it away for you, with a donation and recycling-first approach whenever possible.

Below is a clear, practical guide to mattress disposal—and how to choose the best option for your schedule, your budget, and your peace of mind.

 

Start Here: Is Your Mattress Reusable or Ready to Go?

Before you decide how to get rid of a mattress, check its condition. This helps you avoid wasted trips or donation drop-offs that get rejected.

 

Your mattress might be reusable if it’s:

• Clean and dry (no stains, tears, or odors)
• Not sagging or collapsed
• Stored indoors and protected (not damp or musty)
• Free of pest issues

 

Your mattress should be recycled or disposed of if it has:

• Visible stains, heavy wear, or tears
• Mold or mildew
• Smoke or strong pet odors
• Any sign of bed bugs or pests

 

If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. A lot of mattresses fall into that “questionable” category—good enough to use, but not something most organizations can accept. That’s where full-service mattress removal becomes the easiest choice.

 

Option 1: Schedule a City or Hauler Bulky Pickup (If You Can Wait)

Many cities and waste companies offer bulky-item pickup, sometimes for a fee. The downside? It often requires scheduling ahead, and there are usually rules about where to place the mattress, what day to set it out, and whether it needs to be wrapped.

Things to check before you plan on bulky pickup:

• Do you need to schedule an appointment?
• Is there a fee?
• Do you need a mattress bag or plastic wrap?
• Are box springs included?
• Is there a size/quantity limit?

Best for: Low-cost disposal if you have time
Not ideal for: Quick removals, apartments, or anyone who can’t move the mattress to the curb

 

Option 2: Recycle Your Mattress (Great Option If You Can Transport It)

Mattress recycling is one of the most responsible ways to get rid of an old mattress. Many mattresses can be broken down into steel, foam, fiber, and wood that can be reused.

Some states participate in dedicated mattress recycling programs, but it will depend on what is available in your local area.

Heads up! Recycling is a great option, but most recycling facilities require you to transport the mattress yourself—and you’ll want to strap it down securely.

Best for: Eco-minded disposal if you have a truck
Not ideal for: People without a vehicle, limited time, or multiple mattresses

 

Option 3: Retailer Haul-Away When You Buy a New Mattress

Buying a new mattress? Some retailers offer haul-away for your old one. It’s convenient, but it’s worth asking what happens next—“haul-away” doesn’t always mean recycle or donate.

Good questions to ask:

• Is there a haul-away fee?
• Do you take the box spring too?
• Do you recycle, donate, or landfill?

Best for: One-and-done convenience
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants more control over where it ends up

 

Option 4: Donate (Only If It’s Truly Clean and Accepted Locally)

Donation sounds great—but it’s often tricky with mattresses. Many donation centers don’t accept used mattresses due to hygiene and storage constraints. If you want to try this route, call ahead before loading it up.

Better donation targets to try:

• Local shelters or housing programs (call first)
• Furniture banks or local nonprofits
• Community groups (like Buy Nothing) for direct gifting

If your mattress has stains, smells, or wear, it may be rejected. In those cases, Junkluggers removal is often the more realistic path.

 

Option 5: Sell or Give It Away (Only for Like-New Mattresses)

If the mattress is newer, clean, and in excellent shape, you might be able to sell it on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. Giving it away is even faster.

To avoid headaches:

• Be honest about condition
• Include size (Twin/Full/Queen/King) and pickup details
• Use a mattress bag if possible for transport

Also note: leaving a mattress on the curb with a “free” sign can still be treated as illegal dumping if it sits too long, depending on local rules.

 

Option 6: Call The Junkluggers for Mattress Removal (Fastest + Zero Heavy Lifting)

If you want the mattress gone without the hassle, The Junkluggers is the simplest solution. We handle everything: lifting, loading, and hauling—so you don’t have to drag a mattress down stairs, strap it to a car, or wait weeks for a bulky pickup date.

Why people choose Junkluggers for mattress disposal:

• Full-service removal (we do all the heavy lifting)
• Easy scheduling with convenient appointment windows
• Upfront estimates so you know what to expect before we load
• Donation and recycling-first sorting whenever possible, so your mattress doesn’t automatically end up in a landfill

This option is especially helpful when you’re also replacing a bed frame, clearing out a guest room, upgrading multiple mattresses, moving, or doing a bigger home junk removal cleanout.

 

Option 7: Repurpose Parts of It (If You’re Handy)

Some people repurpose foam into pet beds or use metal springs as scrap. But dismantling a mattress is time-consuming and messy, and you’ll usually still need disposal for the rest.

Best for: DIY types with time and space
Not ideal for: “I want this gone today” situations

 

What Not to Do: Dumpsters and Illegal Dumping

Many dumpsters and apartment complexes don’t allow mattresses, and illegal dumping can lead to fines and community cleanup costs. The EPA also recommends checking local guidance for how bulky items like mattresses should be managed.

If you want to avoid rule confusion entirely, calling a professional mattress removal service is usually the cleanest solution.

 

Quick Decision Guide: What’s Best for You?

• Want it gone fast with no lifting? → Call The Junkluggers
• Trying to spend the least and can wait? → City bulky pickup
• Eco-first and you have a truck? → Recycling center
• Buying new and retailer offers it? → Haul-away (ask where it goes)
• Mattress is like-new and spotless? → Donate, sell, or give away

 

The Simplest Way to Get Rid of an Old Mattress

If you’re staring at a bulky mattress and thinking, “I really don’t want to deal with this,” you don’t have to. The Junkluggers makes mattress removal easy—we’ll come to you, handle the lifting and loading, haul it away, and sort it responsibly so you can get your space back without the stress.

Whether the mattress is in an upstairs bedroom, a tight hallway, a basement, or tucked in a guest room, our team can remove it quickly and carefully. We can also take the box spring, bed frame, headboard, and other unwanted bedroom items at the same time, which is perfect if you’re upgrading, moving, or clearing out a room in one shot.

Ready to get started? Find the nearest Junkluggers location and schedule mattress removal with a team that prioritizes donation and recycling whenever possible. Once you connect with your local Junkluggers, they’ll help you pick an appointment window and walk you through what to expect—so your mattress is gone, and your home feels lighter, faster.