Where Do I Take Old Mattress And Boxspring? Simple Options That Actually Work
If you’re searching “Where Do i Take Old Mattress And Boxspring”, you’re likely replacing your bed and now stuck with bulky items you can’t just toss in the trash. This guide walks through realistic, common ways to get rid of an old mattress and box spring safely and responsibly, with a focus on what most people can do in a typical town or city.
What Are My Main Options for Old Mattress and Box Spring Disposal?
When asking “Where do I take old mattress and boxspring?”, you usually have a few broad choices:
- Municipal bulk trash pickup
- Landfill or local transfer station
- Recycling programs
- Donation (if in good condition)
- Resale, giveaway, or reuse
- Junk removal or haul-away services
Which option works best depends on condition, local rules, and how much effort you’re willing to put in.
Can I Put My Old Mattress and Box Spring Out with Regular Trash?
Most areas do not allow you to put a mattress or box spring out with normal household garbage.
Bulk or special item pickup
Many cities offer:
- Bulk pickup days for large items like mattresses
- On-demand pickup you need to schedule in advance
You typically:
- Call or check the city’s waste management site to see if mattresses are accepted.
- Confirm any rules, like:
- Limit per pickup
- Required plastic bagging or wrapping
- Specific curbside placement
- Put the mattress and box spring out on the assigned day.
If you’re unsure where do I take old mattress and boxspring in my town, your local sanitation or public works department is the first place to check.
Can I Take a Mattress and Box Spring to a Landfill or Transfer Station?
In many regions, you can drive your old mattress and box spring to:
- A municipal landfill, or
- A transfer station (a local drop-off site where waste is sorted and later transported)
What to keep in mind:
- There may be a disposal fee per item or by weight.
- Some locations require proof of residency.
- Certain facilities limit the number of mattresses you can bring at once.
This option is straightforward, but less environmentally friendly if the items aren’t recycled.
Are There Mattress Recycling Programs?
When people ask “Where do I take old mattress and boxspring?”, recycling is often the most responsible answer where available.
How mattress recycling works
Recycling facilities can often separate:
- Steel coils (for metal recycling)
- Foam and padding
- Wood frames
- Fabric or quilting layers
These components may be turned into new products rather than going to a landfill.
How to find recycling options
- Some regions have dedicated mattress recycling centers.
- Certain drop-off sites or transfer stations collect mattresses for recycling instead of disposal.
- There may be small recycling fees to cover processing.
If you care about reducing waste, it’s worth checking whether mattress recycling is offered before choosing landfill disposal.
Can I Donate My Old Mattress and Box Spring?
Donation can be a good answer to “Where do I take old mattress and boxspring?” if:
- The mattress is clean
- There are no major stains, rips, or odors
- The structure is still supportive and not sagging heavily
Common donation possibilities include:
- Community organizations that accept home goods
- Local shelters or charities (policies vary widely)
- Faith-based or neighborhood networks
Many organizations do not accept mattresses for hygiene or storage reasons, so it’s important to ask before dropping anything off.
What If No One Will Take It? Can I Sell or Give It Away?
If your mattress is usable but not donation-eligible, you may still be able to:
- List it for free or low cost on community boards
- Offer it to friends, neighbors, or relatives
- Place it in a free or swap area if your area allows it
Always be honest about its condition. If it’s very worn, many people will understandably decline.
What About Paid Junk Removal or Haul-Away Services?
When you’re really stuck on where do I take old mattress and boxspring, paid pickup is often the most convenient, though not the least expensive.
Common scenarios:
- You don’t have a vehicle large enough.
- Your city doesn’t offer bulk pickup.
- You want it removed on a specific day, without lifting or hauling.
Some mattress retailers also offer old mattress haul-away when delivering a new bed, usually for an added fee. These services often take the items to a recycling or disposal facility, depending on local options.
♻️ ✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points about “Where Do i Take Old Mattress And Boxspring”
- Start locally: Check your city’s bulk pickup or special item rules first.
- Landfills and transfer stations often accept mattresses but may charge a fee.
- Recycling programs are available in some areas and can reduce waste.
- Donations are only realistic for clean, lightly used mattresses.
- Giveaway or resale can work if the bed is still in reasonable shape.
- Paid haul-away is usually the simplest option when other methods are not practical.
How Do Mattress Types and Materials Affect Disposal?
Within “Mattress Types & Materials,” disposal can differ slightly:
- Innerspring mattresses often have recyclable metal coils.
- Foam mattresses (including memory foam) are mainly foam and fabric, which some recyclers can repurpose.
- Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils, and may be partly recyclable.
- Box springs usually contain wood, steel springs, and fabric, all of which can sometimes be separated and reused.
These material differences are most important for recyclers, not for basic curbside disposal. When asking “Where do I take old mattress and boxspring?”, you don’t usually need to disassemble anything yourself unless a particular program specifically requests it.
By understanding your local options and the condition of your bed, you can choose the approach that fits your situation—whether that’s donation, recycling, bulk pickup, or a simple haul-away service. Knowing where to take an old mattress and box spring makes replacing your sleep setup much easier and more responsible.

