Got a mattress you don’t want to deal with? You’ve got options—from free curbside pickup and recycling drop-offs to retailer haul-away and same-day junk removal. The right choice depends on your goals: cheapest, quickest, or the most eco-friendly. Below, you’ll find simple steps that work whether you live in a house, apartment, or condo.
Before you start, check three things: local rules (some cities require bagging/encasing), condition (donation needs clean and pest-free), and access (stairs/elevators). If your mattress is stained or has bed bugs, skip donation and go straight to a recycling center or a professional removal crew—this saves time, avoids fines, and keeps things compliant.
At-a-Glance: Your Options
| Option | Best for | Typical Cost | Speed | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curbside bulky pickup | Cheapest legal disposal | Free–$ | 1–7 days | Low |
| Recycling drop-off | Eco-friendly & simple | Free–$ | Same day | Medium |
| Retailer haul-away | Replacing your bed | $–$$ | Delivery day | Low |
| Junk removal crew | Fast + no lifting | $$ | Same/next day | Very low |
| Donation | Gently-used only | Free | 1–5 days | Medium |
| Sell/give away | Good condition | Free–$ | 1–7 days | Medium |
| DIY deconstruction | Handy folks | Free–$ | Same day | High |
1) Schedule curbside bulky pickup
Call your city/waste hauler. Ask about appointments, bagging rules, and fees. This is often the cheapest legal option.
2) Use a mattress recycling center
Search “mattress recycling near me.” Many facilities recover steel, foam, fiber, and wood to keep waste out of landfills.
3) Transfer station with a recycling lane
Some sites separate mattresses for recycling. Bring ID, know hours/fees, and follow staff instructions.
4) Ask for retailer haul-away at checkout
Buying a new mattress? Many stores remove the old one as white-glove service or a small add-on fee.
5) Book full-service junk removal (we’ll do the lifting)
No truck, no stairs, no problem. A two-person crew removes it from any room and disposes of it properly.
→ Fast quote: Mattress Removal • Junk Removal
6) Donate to a furniture bank (if truly “gently used”)
Clean, dry, and bug-free only. Some groups offer pickup—always call first.
7) Local nonprofits or thrift (policies vary)
Rules differ by location/size. Confirm acceptance, hygiene requirements, and pickup options.
8) Sell or give away locally
Post on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist. Mention size, condition, and an easy pickup window.
9) Freecycle groups
“Curb alert” posts go fast. Add photos, dimensions, and a clear timeframe.
10) College move-out drives
During move-out, schools/nonprofits often run collection events—watch local calendars.
11) HOA or neighborhood cleanup days
Bulk-waste events may allow mattresses; check prep rules (bagging/encasement, set-out times).
12) DIY deconstruction (recycle parts)
Cut the cover, separate steel springs for scrap, reuse clean foam as packing or pet bedding, and safely bundle wood.
13) Building or property-manager pickup
Apartments often have approved haulers or designated bulk days—ask management to avoid fines.
14) Bed-bug or pest-treated items
Most charities won’t accept them. Many haulers require encasement or proof of treatment—confirm before booking.
15) Same-day local removal (South Florida)
Serving Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs, and nearby.
→ Book now: Mattress Removal • Contact
Quick Prep Checklist
- Keep it dry and pest-free
- Remove bedding/frames; tape loose parts
- Bag/encase if your city requires
- Confirm size limits, fees, and set-out time
FAQs
Where to dump a mattress for free?
Check bulky-item pickup and community cleanup days. Some transfer stations run no-fee events.
Cheapest way to get rid of an old mattress?
Free curbside is usually cheapest. Next best: recycling drop-off with a small fee; compare with a hauler quote.
Mattress recycling near me?
Search locally or use county/state recycling pages. Many centers recover steel, foam, fiber, and wood.
How to get rid of a mattress and box spring for free?
Use one appointment for both in bulky pickup, or look for free recycling events.
Can you take a mattress to the dump?
Often yes, but many facilities route mattresses to a recycling lane. Call ahead.
Is “Bye Bye Mattress” an option?
If your state participates, use the locator for drop-offs and events; otherwise check local recycling sites.
What about Mattress Disposal Plus or other services?
Third-party haulers can remove/recycle for a fee—compare prices, reviews, and availability.
Will junk removal take a bedbug mattress?
Most will with encasement or proof of treatment—confirm before pickup.
