How to Get Rid of and Replace Your Mattress

Getting ready to shop for a new mattress? If you're getting rid of an old one, you have a few choices when you need to dispose of a mattress.

If your old mattress still has some life in it, you may want to sell it or donate it to charity. If not, can you recycle it safely and responsibly? What other ways are there to dispose of an old mattress without consigning it to the landfill?

How Often Should a Mattress be Replaced?

First thing’s first: do you really need a new mattress?
That depends on the type of mattress, the quality of sleep you’re getting, and in some cases, your circumstances.

Hybrid (innerspring and foam) mattresses last about six years, plain innerspring mattresses can last up to 10 years, and memory foam mattresses can last 15. But those numbers mean nothing if you’re uncomfortable, changing position during the night, waking up tired and achy, or regularly losing sleep.

Maybe your mattress is fine, but you’re moving in with a partner and don’t have space for it. All good reasons to replace and dispose of your current mattress.
The easiest way to dispose of your old mattress is to ask the store where you bought your new mattress to haul it away when they deliver the new one.
Most retailers routinely offer mattress pick-up and disposal service as part of a new mattress’ purchase price or for a small fee – or like Baer’s, for free! If your mattress is still relatively new and has been gently used (no stains, odors or obvious signs of wear), it may be a waste to scrap it completely.

Can I Sell My Used Mattress?

There is a small market for gently used mattresses. If the mattress is next-to-new or was used only in a guest room with a mattress protector and you saved the receipt with date of purchase and the plastic wrapping, you have the best chance of success listing it on a site like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Take a good photo and give it a go!

Where Can I Donate My Old Mattress?

Many charities would love to have your gently used mattress, and some, like The Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, offer either free home pick-up service or convenient local drop-off locations.

The online database Donation Town will give you a good idea of which churches, domestic violence prevention centers or homeless shelters in your area currently need mattress donations.

How Can I Recycle My Old Mattress?

Realistically, 70% of old mattresses are past the point of selling or donating. But about 80% to 90% of a mattress – including its steel springs, wood frame, stuffing and fabric - can be reincarnated as wind turbines, moving blankets, and biomass fuels, to name a few. So, by all means, make the effort to be part of the solution!

Recycling laws, regulations and standards vary significantly by state, county and even individual city and town ordinances, so be sure to find out what applies in your neighborhood.

Earth 911

Start big by searching one of North America’s most extensive recycling databases, listing more than 100,000 facilities across the US and Canada. Just plug in your zip code to search for mattress recyclers closest to you. You can even set up filters to show you only those that offer pick-up service or don’t charge a fee.

Bye Bye Mattress

Part of the Mattress Recycling Council, a nonprofit organization created by the International Sleep Products Association, this program runs mattress recycling programs in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island. These states have laws that make mattress recycling and pick up free or very low-cost through Extended Producer Responsibility Programs (EPRs). If you live in one of these states, check the online directory to find a recycler near you.

Your Local Municipality

The municipal department that handles your trash pickup may have its own recycling program. Call for information about where and how they will recycle your old mattress. Some programs even offer pickup service. If you’re still having trouble finding local recycling facilities, try calling local universities, hotels or hospitals and ask which recycling facility they use to dispose of old mattresses.

DIY Recycling

Feeling crafty? There are numerous YouTube videos that will guide you in repurposing mattress materials to create anything from garden compost to a wine rack.

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