Mattress Disposal: Your Options and What It Costs

Getting rid of an old mattress is trickier than most people expect. You can't leave most mattresses at the curb, landfills may turn them away, and they're too bulky to stuff in a car. Here are all your real options — plus what each one costs in 2026.

Why Mattress Disposal Is Tricky

Mattresses are bulky, awkward, and made of materials that require special handling:

Steel coil springs don't compact easily in standard waste trucks
Foam and fabric components take decades to break down in landfills
Many municipalities ban or restrict mattresses in regular trash
Bedbug-infested mattresses require careful, contained handling

The good news: mattresses are highly recyclable. About 90% of materials can be recovered — steel, foam, cotton, and wood can all be repurposed.

Option 1: Mattress Recycling Programs

Several states — including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island — have state-run mattress recycling programs. In these states, you can drop off a mattress at a recycling location for free or a small fee ($15–$25).

Check byf.org (Bye Bye Mattress program) to see if your state participates and find drop-off locations near you.

Option 2: Retailer Haul-Away

Buying a new mattress? Most major mattress retailers and online brands offer free or low-cost haul-away of your old mattress:

Casper, Purple, Saatva, and other online brands: Often include free white-glove delivery and old mattress pickup
Mattress Firm, Sleep Number: Offer haul-away with delivery, sometimes for a $25–$50 fee
IKEA: Offers mattress recycling pickup for a small fee in most markets

This is the most seamless option when you're buying a replacement — schedule it at checkout.

Option 3: Junk Removal Service

Junk removal companies will pick up mattresses from your home or anywhere on the property. They'll handle the heavy lifting and ensure proper disposal.

2026 Mattress Removal Costs

Twin or full mattress: $60–$120
Queen mattress: $75–$150
King mattress: $100–$175
Mattress + box spring: Add $30–$60 for the box spring
Multiple mattresses (bundle pricing): Ask for a discount on the 2nd and 3rd

Many companies offer a discounted rate when you bundle a mattress with other items like furniture or general junk.

Option 4: Donation (If It's in Good Shape)

If your mattress is clean, less than 7–8 years old, and has no structural damage, you may be able to donate it. Be warned: many organizations have become stricter about accepting used mattresses due to bedbug concerns.

Habitat for Humanity: Accepts mattresses in some regions — call ahead
Local shelters: Some accept clean, undamaged mattresses
Furniture banks: Serve families transitioning from homelessness — may pick up

Always be honest about the mattress condition. Donating a mattress with damage or stains wastes everyone's time and creates a disposal burden for the organization.

Option 5: Municipal Bulk Pickup

Some cities accept mattresses in their bulk item pickup program. Requirements vary:

Some cities only accept mattresses on specific days
Many require you to wrap the mattress in plastic to contain potential bedbugs
A few cities charge a small pickup fee ($10–$30)

Call your local sanitation department or check their website before leaving a mattress curbside — improper disposal can result in fines.

What to Do With a Bedbug-Infested Mattress

If your mattress has bedbugs, you need to be extra careful:

Seal it completely in a mattress disposal bag before moving it through your home
Label it clearly with a tag or marker so handlers know
Do NOT donate — this is a serious no-go
Contact your junk removal company and disclose the situation before booking — many crews are trained for this

The Cheapest Way to Get Rid of a Mattress

Your cheapest options are: state recycling program drop-off (free–$25), municipal bulk pickup (free–$30), or retailer haul-away when buying new (often free). For speed and convenience without all the legwork, a junk removal service wins every time.

Bottom line: Don't leave a mattress on the curb and hope for the best. Recycle it, donate it if it's in good shape, or schedule a pickup. Find local mattress removal services at JunkRemovalMap.com.