Best ways to dispose of mattress (best → last resort)
Drop-offFree where the program exists
California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon run free mattress recycling (Bye Bye Mattress / Mattress Recycling Council) — find a drop-off at byebyemattress.com. Box springs recycle through the same program.
Special/bulk pickupEverywhere
Your trash hauler offers bulky-item pickup — schedule it rather than leaving it at the curb.
Donate/ReuseIf clean & undamaged
Some charities accept usable mattresses — call first, many won't for hygiene reasons.
How to prepare it
Keep it dry and clean for recycling or donation.
Use a mattress disposal bag to move it without mess.
Don't
Never leave a mattress at the curb without a pickup — illegal-dumping fines apply in many cities.
Find a drop-off near you
Acceptance varies by city — always check your local program first.
Drop-off (free where the program exists): California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon run free mattress recycling (Bye Bye Mattress / Mattress Recycling Council) — find a drop-off at byebyemattress.com. Box springs recycle through the same program.
Can you put a mattress in the trash?
Not usually — use a drop-off or take-back program instead of the trash.
Where can I recycle a mattress near me?
Search a drop-off with the Earth911 locator or "mattress recycling drop-off near me." Acceptance varies by city, so confirm with your local program.