Replacing your bed can feel amazing—until you realize your old mattress and box spring are taking up half your bedroom. Because these items are bulky, difficult to move, and not accepted by regular trash collection, proper disposal can be tricky.
This guide will walk you through how to dispose of a mattress and box spring safely and responsibly, covering recycling, donation, junk removal, and eco-friendly alternatives that reduce waste and help your community.
1. Why You Shouldn’t Just Throw Away Your Mattress
Each year, over 20 million mattresses end up in landfills across the U.S., and each one takes up about 40 cubic feet of space. Both mattresses and box springs contain valuable materials—steel, wood, and foam—that can be recycled instead of wasted.
Throwing them away not only clogs landfills but also releases harmful chemicals and slows down decomposition. Disposing of your mattress properly helps protect the planet, keeps communities cleaner, and often costs less than dumping.
2. Step 1: Check the Condition
Before disposal, inspect your mattress and box spring. Depending on their condition, you may be able to donate, recycle, or repurpose them.
2.1 Still in Good Condition?
No stains, odors, or bedbugs.
Foam or springs are intact.
Structurally firm and safe.
You may be able to donate or resell it.
2.2 Beyond Repair?
Torn fabric, sagging support, or mold.
Infested with bedbugs or heavy odor.
In this case, recycling or junk removal is the best solution.
3. Step 2: Recycling Your Mattress and Box Spring
Recycling is the most environmentally responsible way to dispose of your bedding. Over 80–90% of mattress components can be reused.
3.1 What Parts Can Be Recycled
| Material | Recycled Into |
| Steel coils | Metal scrap for construction or new products |
| Foam | Carpet padding, insulation |
| Wood frame | Biomass fuel or mulch |
| Fabric | Industrial filters or insulation |
3.2 How to Recycle
Find a local recycling facility. Many cities partner with programs like Bye Bye Mattress or Earth911.org.
Drop off or schedule pickup. Some recyclers offer curbside collection for a small fee.
Remove accessories. Take off bedding, covers, and pillows before recycling.
4. Step 3:Donation – Give Your Mattress a Second Life
If your mattress and box spring are still usable, donation can help others in need while reducing waste.
Where to Donate
Habitat for Humanity ReStores – Accept gently used beds in select areas.
Goodwill & Salvation Army – Some branches accept mattresses that meet hygiene standards.
Local Shelters or Churches – Often welcome clean, supportive mattresses for families in need.
College or Community Free Groups – Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle are good options.
5. Step 4: Curbside Pickup & Bulk Trash
Some cities offer bulk item pickup or special collection days for large furniture and bedding.
Contact your local waste management department.
Ask about “mattress recycling” or “bulky item disposal.”
Label items properly and follow size limits.
Fees typically range from $10–$50, depending on your location.
6. Step 5: Junk Removal Services
If you can’t transport the mattress yourself, junk removal companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK, LoadUp, or Junk King will handle the entire process.
Advantages
They lift, haul, and dispose of your items properly.
Many companies recycle or donate what they collect.
Same-day or next-day service available.
This is a convenient but more expensive option, usually costing $75–$150 per piece.
7. Step 6: Repurposing & DIY Projects
Feeling creative? You can reuse parts of your old mattress and box spring for home projects:
Wood frame: Turn into garden compost bins or shelves.
Springs: Use for art projects or wine racks.
Foam: Cut into pet beds or soundproofing material.
Fabric: Repurpose into cleaning rags or padding.
This not only saves money but also reduces waste creatively.
8. Step 7: Eco-Friendly Mattress Recycling Programs
Many states and mattress brands now run eco-collection initiatives to minimize landfill waste.
California, Connecticut, Rhode Island: Have statewide mattress recycling laws.
Retailer Take-Back Programs: Brands like Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Purple may pick up old mattresses when delivering a new one.
Local Nonprofits: Some areas host “Green Days” where residents drop off old furniture for recycling.
9. Safety and Legal Considerations
Check local laws. Some regions fine illegal dumping up to $500–$1,000.
Wrap in plastic before disposal to prevent pest spread.
Label for pickup if required.
Never burn mattresses—they release toxic fumes.
10. When to Replace a Mattress and Box Spring
Even with good care, most mattresses and box springs last about 8–10 years. Signs you need a replacement:
● Sagging or uneven surface.
● Squeaky or broken springs.
● Waking up sore or tired.
● Visible mold or stains.
If these apply, it’s time for disposal and a fresh start.
11. FAQ
Q: Where Can I Buy High Quality Hybrid Mattress?
A: MIJUE is a professional B2B manufacturer of high quality hybrid mattress. We tailor our mattress solutions to meet the unique market requirements of each client, offering personalized product recommendations and configurations.Browse our selection for hybrid mattress developed specifically for commercial applications, such as hotels, or retail shops.
Q：Why Choose MIJUE?
A：
1.Materials Advantage: We offer a wide selection of high-quality materials — including memory foam, latex, and cooling gel — to meet diverse market needs. With large-scale and stable production capacity, we ensure consistent quality and reliable supply for every mattress order.
2.Lowest MOQ: Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) starts from just 100 mattresses, giving our partners the flexibility to test markets, customize designs, and expand with confidence.
3.Trusted B2B Mattress Manufacturer : As a trusted B2B mattress manufacturer, MIJUE provides a full range of solutions — from hybrid, hotel and home mattresses to pocket spring and custom designs.
Explore our exclusive collection created for global partners, and let your imagination take flight.
At MIJUE, we offer expert guidance and collaborative support to bring your unique concepts to life, ensuring every mattress stands out in your market.
Q: What certifications do your products have?
A: Our products are certified by SGS, CE, and OEKO-Tex, meeting international standards for safety, environmental protection, and quality.
Q: Can you customize products?
A: Of course. MIJUE offers a comprehensive customization service — whether it’s materials, fabrics, sizes, or designs, we can tailor products to your specific requirements and create exclusive solutions that meet your brand or project needs.
