Can You Donate a Mattress To Goodwill? What to Know Before You Try

If you’re replacing an old bed, you might wonder: Can you donate a mattress to Goodwill instead of throwing it away? The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no—and it depends on local rules and the condition of your mattress.

This FAQ-style guide explains how mattress donations typically work, what Goodwill and similar organizations usually accept, and what to do if your mattress isn’t eligible.

Can You Donate a Mattress To Goodwill in Most Areas?

In many locations, Goodwill does not accept used mattresses, while some locations may accept them under very specific conditions. Policies vary by region because local regulations and health codes can be quite different.

Most donation centers only consider a mattress if it is:

• Very clean
• Free of stains, tears, and odors
• Structurally sound (no sagging, broken springs, or damage)
• Free of pests, including any signs of bed bugs

Because of strict sanitation and safety concerns, many Goodwill locations choose not to handle mattresses at all. The only way to know for sure in your area is to contact your local donation center directly and ask about their current policy.

Why Are Mattress Donations So Restricted?

Mattresses are heavily regulated items in many places. That’s why “Can you donate a mattress to Goodwill” often doesn’t have a simple yes-or-no answer.

Common reasons donation centers limit mattress drop-offs include:

• Health and hygiene concerns: Used mattresses can carry dust, allergens, and other contaminants.
• Pest risk: Even a clean-looking mattress can be hard to inspect fully for pests.
• Safety and comfort: A sagging or broken mattress is not considered usable furniture.
• Storage and handling: Mattresses are bulky, hard to move, and take up valuable warehouse and retail space.

Because of all this, many organizations set strict donation standards or decline mattresses altogether.

What Condition Should a Mattress Be In to Donate?

If your local Goodwill or charity does accept mattresses, they usually expect it to be in “lightly used” condition at most. A simple rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t confidently let a guest sleep on it, it’s probably not donation-ready.

Here’s what most centers look for:

• No visible stains or discoloration
• No rips, holes, or frayed fabric
• No odors from smoking, pets, or moisture
• No deep sagging, lumps, or broken coils
• Clean surface, ideally freshly vacuumed

A quick pre-check at home can save time:

• Strip all bedding and inspect the surface and sides in good light.
• Look closely at seams for any dark spots, shedding material, or signs of pests.
• Press on different areas to check for even support.

If your mattress fails several of these checks, it’s unlikely to be accepted.

What If Goodwill Won’t Take My Mattress?

When the answer to “Can you donate a mattress to Goodwill” is “no,” there are still other responsible options.

Other common possibilities

• Other local charities or shelters
  Some community organizations accept mattresses in excellent, clean condition if they have the capacity to inspect and store them.

• Furniture banks or reuse centers
  These groups sometimes specialize in matching gently used furniture (including mattresses) with households in need.

• Municipal recycling programs
  Many cities offer mattress recycling or bulk pickup. The components (foam, metal springs, fabric) may be separated and reused.

• Bulk trash pickup or landfill
  As a last resort, your local waste management service may have specific rules for disposing of large items like mattresses.

Because rules and infrastructure differ from place to place, the best approach is to check local guidelines before you load the mattress into a vehicle.

How Do I Decide If I Should Donate or Recycle?

If you’re unsure whether to seek donation or disposal, use this quick comparison:

When in doubt, erring on the side of caution is usually the most responsible choice, especially regarding hygiene and pest concerns.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Can You Donate a Mattress To Goodwill”:

• Policies vary: Some locations may accept mattresses, but many do not due to health, safety, and space concerns.
• Condition matters: Only clean, structurally sound, and pest-free mattresses are ever considered for donation.
• Always check locally: Call or visit your local donation center to confirm whether they currently accept mattresses.
• Consider alternatives: If Goodwill won’t accept it, look into other charities, furniture banks, or municipal recycling programs.
• Not all mattresses should be reused: If a mattress is stained, damaged, or uncomfortable, recycling or proper disposal is usually more appropriate than donation.

Understanding these basics makes it easier to choose the most responsible and realistic option for your old mattress, whether that’s donation, recycling, or disposal.