How to Dispose of a Mattress
Updated: Sep 17
When it's time to say goodbye to your old mattress and box spring, knowing how to dispose of them responsibly can make a significant difference in reducing unnecessary waste. Here are some practical methods to handle the disposal of these bulky items:
Recycling
Mattresses and box springs contain materials such as metal, foam, fabric, and wood that may be recyclable. Specialized mattress recycling facilities can dismantle them and recover usable materials, but not every recycling center accepts mattresses.
Before loading yours into the truck, contact a mattress recycling facility to confirm what it accepts, whether an appointment is needed, and if there’s a drop-off fee.
Donation
If your mattress is still in good shape—free of pests and major damage—donating it might be an option. However, many charities and thrift stores do not accept used mattresses, so always call ahead before dropping one off.
If your mattress isn’t eligible for donation, recycling or proper disposal may be the next option.
Municipal Bulk Pickup
For hassle-free disposal, check if your local waste management provider offers bulk pickup services. Some services collect mattresses and box springs by appointment, while others have restrictions or additional fees.
In Austin, eligible residential customers can schedule bulk collection through the city's on-demand bulk collection program. Confirm that your specific item is accepted before setting it out. The city's Recycle and Reuse Center does not accept mattresses.
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Consider asking your retailer about take-back programs when you're buying a new mattress. Some retailers will handle the removal of your old mattress when delivering the new one, although availability, fees, and what happens to the old mattress vary.
Ask about removal before delivery day so you aren't left wondering where to put your old mattress!
Professional Junk Removal Services
If the above options don't work for you, professional junk removal services → https://www.dashawayhauling.com/junk-removal  are a convenient alternative. Dash Away Hauling can pick up mattresses and box springs, handle the heavy lifting, and take them to an appropriate facility. Recycling depends on the condition of the items and the facilities available.Â
Dash Away Hauling
Keep in mind that mattresses and box springs may come with additional disposal fees. Let us know what you have when requesting your quote so we can account for those costs upfront.Â
Getting rid of other bulky items at the same time? Our guide on how to dispose of furniture covers more options for clearing out unwanted pieces.
Choosing the right disposal method can help keep reusable materials out of the landfill when recycling or donation is available. Let’s make a difference together by disposing of our old mattresses and box springs the right way!
Ready to get that old mattress out of the way? Contact Dash Away Hauling for a free quote, or call or text Nacho at (512) 434-3929. Send us a photo of your mattress or box spring and your ZIP code!
Learn more about how to dispose of unwanted items:
