Got an old mattress taking up space in your garage? After 25 years in waste management, I can tell you mattresses are one of the top five items people struggle to get rid of. They’re too big for regular trash pickup, most donation spots won’t touch them, and some states have laws about how you can toss them.
Let me walk you through your options.
Why Mattresses Are Such a Hassle
Here’s the thing: mattresses don’t compress well in landfills. The springs and foam take up tons of space and can damage compaction equipment. I’ve seen facilities shut down conveyor lines because someone tossed a king-size mattress where it didn’t belong.
That’s why many facilities charge extra fees or flat-out refuse them.
If you're in California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, you've got mandatory mattress recycling laws. You can't legally throw a mattress in a landfill in these states.
Your Options, Ranked by Cost
1. City Bulky Item Pickup (Free)
Most cities offer free bulky item pickup a few times per year. This is hands-down the easiest option if it’s available to you.
These slots fill up fast, especially in spring when everyone's cleaning out. Book yours at least two weeks ahead. I've seen people wait three months because they missed the window.
How to check: Search “[your city] bulky item pickup” or check your waste management bill. The schedule is usually printed on the back.
2. Transfer Station Drop-Off ($15-40)
If you’ve got a truck or can borrow one, most transfer stations accept mattresses for a flat fee. Use our interactive map to find transfer stations near you.
Before you load up:
- Call ahead to confirm they take mattresses
- Some require the mattress to be wrapped in plastic (6 mil thickness)
- Arrive early on weekdays to skip the lines
- Bring cash. Some facilities don’t take cards.
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are the slowest times at most transfer stations. You'll be in and out in 15 minutes versus an hour on Saturday.
3. Mattress Recycling Programs (Free to $30)
Some areas have dedicated mattress recyclers who break down the components. Steel springs get recycled, foam gets repurposed into carpet padding, and fabric gets shredded for industrial rags.
States with mandatory recycling programs:
| State | Program | Cost | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Bye Bye Mattress | Free | Drop-off at 200+ locations |
| Connecticut | CT DEEP Program | Free | Retailer drop-off |
| Rhode Island | Bye Bye Mattress RI | Free | Retailer drop-off |
The recycling fee is built into the price of new mattresses in these states, so drop-off is free.
4. Retailer Take-Back ($0-75)
Buying a new mattress? Most big retailers offer haul-away service for your old one.
| Retailer | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress Firm | $50-75 | Must be dry, no bed bugs |
| Sleep Number | Varies | With delivery only |
| Costco | Free (select areas) | With delivery |
| Amazon | $50+ | Limited markets |
The catch: The mattress usually needs to be in “acceptable condition.” That means no major stains, no bed bugs, and no structural damage. I’ve seen plenty of haul-away crews refuse mattresses that looked fine to the homeowner but had a small stain.
5. Donate It (Maybe)
Habitat for Humanity ReStores and some Salvation Army locations accept mattresses, but the requirements are strict:
- No stains of any kind
- No tears or damage
- No bed bug history
- Usually less than 8-10 years old
- Must be able to deliver it yourself
Honestly? Most mattresses don’t qualify. But if yours is in great shape, it’s worth a call. Check the Habitat ReStore locator for locations.
What NOT to Do
Don't dump it illegally. Besides being terrible for the environment, illegal dumping fines start at $500 in most states and can hit $10,000 or more for repeat offenders. Cameras are everywhere now, and most areas have reporting hotlines. I've seen people get caught from license plate photos a month after dumping.
Don’t put it on the curb and hope. In most cities, this will get you a fine, not a pickup. Your waste hauler isn’t going to grab it unless you’ve scheduled a bulky pickup.
Don’t burn it. Mattress materials release toxic fumes, including chemicals from flame retardants. It’s also illegal almost everywhere and can spread fires quickly.
State-by-State Rules
California
Mattresses are banned from landfills statewide. CalRecycle enforces this strictly.
Your options:
- Use Bye Bye Mattress to find the nearest free drop-off
- Retailers must accept your old mattress when delivering a new one
- Some cities offer curbside mattress collection
Browse all California disposal facilities in our directory.
New York
NYC residents get free curbside pickup, but here’s what most people don’t know: the mattress must be sealed in a plastic bag for bed bug prevention. It’s a city health code requirement.
You can get mattress bags at Home Depot, Lowe's, or U-Haul for about $5-10. Get the 6 mil thickness. The thin ones tear too easily.
The rest of New York state varies by county. Check with your local waste authority. Find New York facilities for drop-off options.
Texas
No statewide rules, so it varies by city:
- Houston: Free drop-off at Neighborhood Depositories
- Dallas: $10 per mattress at city drop-off sites
- Austin: Free with scheduled bulky pickup
- San Antonio: Included in monthly bulky waste collection
Check out Texas landfills and transfer stations.
Florida
No special state rules. Most transfer stations accept mattresses for $15-30 per piece. Some counties offer free drop-off days a few times per year.
The Florida DEP has info on county programs. See all Florida locations.
Georgia
My home state. Most counties accept mattresses at transfer stations for $20-35.
- Fulton County: $25 per mattress at any convenience center
- DeKalb County: Included in bulky waste pickup (schedule ahead)
- Gwinnett County: $30 at the Gwinnett Landfill
Check Georgia facilities for locations near you.
Know Before You Go Checklist
- Call ahead to confirm mattress acceptance
- Check if plastic wrapping is required
- Bring cash (some facilities are cash-only)
- Measure your mattress if fees are based on size
- Bring help for king/queen sizes
- Secure the mattress in your truck bed (required by law in most states)
Also Clearing Out Other Stuff?
If you’re getting rid of more than just a mattress, check out these guides:
- How to dispose of old appliances (fridges, washers, dryers)
- What to do with old paint
- Tire disposal options
- Electronics recycling guide
- Yard waste disposal tips
The Bottom Line
Your best bet is usually your city’s bulky pickup program (free) or a local transfer station ($15-40). If you’re buying new, always ask about haul-away before you finalize the purchase. It’s usually the least painful option.
Use our state directory or interactive map to find transfer stations and landfills near you that accept mattresses.
Whatever route you choose, take a photo of your receipt or confirmation. If your mattress ends up dumped somewhere and gets traced back to you (yes, this happens), you'll want proof you disposed of it properly.
