How to Dispose of a Mattress for Free: 6 Options [2026]

Most cities offer at least one free mattress disposal method, but availability varies by location. Here is every option ranked by convenience and cost.

City bulk pickup is the most common free option. Most municipalities collect mattresses curbside on a scheduled route, but wait times range from 2 to 8 weeks. Some cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix offer free bulk pickup with a simple online request. Others charge $25-50 per collection.

Bye Bye Mattress operates free drop-off locations in 11 states: California, Connecticut, Oregon, Rhode Island, Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts, Indiana, Washington, and Vermont. The program is funded by a recycling fee built into new mattress purchases, so drop-off costs you nothing.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts mattresses in good condition and offers free pickup in many areas. Enter your ZIP code on their website to check availability. The Salvation Army and Goodwill also accept mattresses, though both are selective about condition and may decline items with stains or damage.

Contact your city sanitation department or visit their website to schedule a bulk pickup. Most cities require you to call or submit an online form at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

• •Los Angeles: Free bulk pickup through LA Sanitation, schedule at lacitysan.org, 2-3 week wait
• •Phoenix: Free bulk collection for solid waste customers, request online at phoenix.gov, once per quarter
• •Denver: $31 per item added to your utility bill, schedule through denvergov.org
• •New York City: Free curbside pickup, mattress must be sealed in a plastic bag (bedbug law), schedule through NYC 311
• •Portland: Not offered through city, must use Metro transfer stations ($39 minimum drop-off fee)

Some cities require mattresses to be wrapped in a disposal bag before collection. Mattress bags cost $10-20 at Home Depot or Amazon. Check your city rules before placing it at the curb.

The Mattress Recycling Council runs the Bye Bye Mattress program with over 3,000 free drop-off locations across 11 states. Visit byebyemattress.com to find the nearest site.

Mattresses are 80-90% recyclable. Steel springs get melted down, foam becomes carpet padding, and wood frames are chipped for biomass fuel. Recycling keeps roughly 20 billion cubic feet of mattress waste out of landfills each year.

If your state does not participate in Bye Bye Mattress, check with your county waste management office. Many counties operate mattress recycling programs independently. Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and King County (Seattle) both accept mattresses at recycling facilities for free.

Yes, if your mattress is in good condition with no stains, rips, or structural damage. Charities that accept mattress donations include:

• •Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Free pickup available in most metro areas, accepts mattresses under 8 years old in clean condition
• •The Salvation Army: Free pickup through 1-800-SA-TRUCK, though they reject mattresses with any visible wear
• •Goodwill: Drop-off only at most locations, condition standards vary by store
• •Local shelters and churches: Many accept mattresses directly, call ahead to confirm

Donation is the most sustainable option since the mattress gets reused rather than recycled or landfilled. You also receive a tax-deductible receipt, typically valued at $75-200 depending on mattress condition and original price.

If free options do not work for your situation, paid mattress disposal ranges from $10 to $250+ depending on the method.

Self-haul to a landfill or transfer station costs $10-40 in dump fees, plus the cost of renting a truck if you do not own one. Truck rental adds $20-40 for a local trip.

Retailer haul-away when buying a new mattress costs $40-150. Most major retailers including Casper, Purple, and Mattress Firm offer this service at the time of delivery.

Professional removal through Dropcurb costs $79 for same-day curbside pickup. You place the mattress at the curb, a local hauler picks it up. No in-home service, no scheduling hassle, no waiting weeks for city pickup.

1-800-GOT-JUNK charges $130-250+ for mattress removal with a minimum fee of $130-150 depending on location. Their pricing is volume-based and requires an in-person estimate.