How to Responsibly Dispose of a Mattress, According to Experts

An estimated 50,000 mattresses end up in landfills every single day in the U.S., says Marcus Griswold, founder at Little Green Myths. "This contributes to a substantial accumulation of waste," he explains. "Components of old mattresses, such as steel springs and synthetic foams, can take an extremely long time to decompose—sometimes hundreds of years."

So what should someone consider instead? Our experts provide responsible methods for disposing of a mattress, along with the steps you should take to make it happen.

Start With a Responsible Purchase

Sustainable mattress disposable begins with the purchase of a mattress with the most natural materials. "If you buy a mattress with toxins, not only are you endangering your health," Griswold explains, "but you are going to put more toxic chemicals back into the environment when you dispose or reuse that mattress at the end of its life."

Griswold recommends looking for these specific certifications for eco-friendly mattresses so you don't contribute to environmental pollution during their manufacture or eventual disposal:

• CertiPUR-US: It ensures the foam is free from harmful substances (such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and phthalates), and that it has very low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the cause behind that "new mattress smell."  
• Global Organic Textile Standard: Certification for organic cotton and wool showing that the materials were grown organically without pesticides and processed without harmful chemicals—from the farm all the way to the finished mattress. 
• Global Organic Latex Standard: Similar to GOTS, but specifically for organic latex. 
• GREENGUARD Gold: This certification indicates that the mattress has very low chemical emissions, helping to maintain clean and healthy indoor air quality. 
• MADE SAFE: This certification acts as a stringent checker, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are used in the product that could negatively affect people or the planet.  

Why Mattresses Should Always Responsibly Disposed Of

“Mattresses are huge, hard to break down, and full of materials that shouldn’t be in landfills,” says Rachel Kibbe, founder and CEO of American Circular Textiles. “When people dump them, it causes real environmental issues.”

But your old mattress doesn't have to become a waste problem, promises Stacy Savage, founder and CEO of Zero Waste Strategies. “With just a little research and planning, it can become raw materials for new products or help someone get better sleep,” she says. “Either way, you're keeping it out of the landfill, and that's what really counts.”

How to Donate a Used Mattress

If the mattress is in decent shape and uncontaminated, Griswold says many nonprofits can help the mattress make its way to a shelter or to those in need. This includes organizations such as the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Arc, United Way, or even your local animal shelter, as well as specialized organizations such as transitional housing programs or refugee resettlements.

The Pros:

• Gives your mattress a genuine second life
• Helps families or individuals in need
• May qualify for a tax deduction

The Cons:

• Many major organizations no longer accept mattress donations due to health and safety regulations
• Must be in excellent condition—no stains, tears, odors, or wear
• Increasingly limited options

The Step-by-Step Process:

• Evaluate Your Mattress: Savage says brutal honesty is key when it comes to the condition of a used mattress. “Would you genuinely sleep on it tonight?” she asks. “If there's any hesitation, go ahead and skip to recycling as the best option.” 
• Reach Out: It’s also best to call ahead to any organization to make sure they can accommodate your donation and be sure of their acceptance criteria. “Many organizations that do accept large furniture donations offer pickup service, which can save you the hassle of transport, but there will most likely be a fee,” Savage says. 
• Get a Receipt: For tax purposes, Savage says to make sure you get documentation from qualified nonprofits.

How to Recycle a Used Mattress

Since mattresses are made of materials like steel, foam, and fabric (75% of which are recyclable), responsible disposal reduces environmental strain, conserves resources, and helps prevent landfill overflow, says Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva. 

Griswold agrees that recycling is the most environmentally responsible and scalable method. “It ensures that useful materials are reclaimed and put back into circulation,” he says, “rather than sent to landfills.”

If you're buying a new mattress, many companies now offer recycling and may take your old one upon delivery. Be sure to ask before purchase.

The Pros:

• Diverts bulky waste from landfills
• Reclaims up to 75% of materials (steel, foam, fabric)
• Reduces demand for raw resources
• Many areas have dedicated mattress recycling programs

The Cons:

• Not every city has a dedicated mattress recycling center
• May require transport to a facility (unless pickup is available)
• Some services charge a small fee

The Step-by-Step Process:

• Check the mattress's condition: If the mattress is in great shape, consider donating it first. 
• Search for Local Options: Use directories like ByeByeMattress.org or Earth911.com, or even search by ZIP code to find nearby drop-off points or facilities that accept mattresses.
• Schedule a Drop-Off or Pickup: Some facilities offer drop-off during operating hours. Others, especially in California, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, offer curbside pickup through state programs.
• Prepare the Mattress: Remove bedding and covers. Some cities require plastic encasement for curbside collection, or some facilities might require you to bag the mattress. 
• Drop Off or Wait for Pickup: Depending on the method, either transport your mattress to the designated site or place it on the curb per the pickup carrier’s instructions.