Yes. The Salvation Army will often accept mattress donations – but only if the mattress is in great shape. Your mattress must be:

Very clean – No dirt, spills, or big stains.
Undamaged – No rips, tears, sagging, or broken springs.
Pest-free – Absolutely no bed bugs or other critters.
Still tagged – Has the original tag attached (in many locations).

Each local Salvation Army may have its own rules, but these are the common requirements. If there’s any stain, rip, or bug problem, they will likely say no to your mattress. Always check with your nearest Salvation Army before donating. You can schedule a free pickup online or find a drop-off location on the Salvation Army’s website. (See their donation FAQ for more details.) If your mattress does not meet these guidelines, the Salvation Army will not take it – you’ll need to dispose of it another way.

Need a quick solution? Use Ex-Mattress to find local mattress donation or recycling options in your area (including Salvation Army and others). Ex-Mattress makes it easy to get rid of your mattress fast!

How to Donate a Mattress to the Salvation Army

If your mattress meets the guidelines, donating it to the Salvation Army is easy and won’t cost you anything. Just follow these simple steps:

Check the condition. Double-check that your mattress is clean, stain-free, and not damaged. (They won’t take it otherwise.)
Schedule a free pickup. Go to the Salvation Army’s donation site (satruck.org) to set up a pickup, or call their hotline at 1-800-SA-TRUCK. You can choose a date for them to come get your mattress (this service is completely free).
Or drop it off. If you have a way to transport it, you can bring the mattress to a nearby Salvation Army donation center. Use their location finder to find a drop-off spot near you. It’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm they can take your mattress that day.
Prepare the mattress. Before pickup or drop-off, cover the mattress in a plastic bag or old sheet if possible. This keeps it clean during the move and shows you’ve kept it in good shape.
Hand it over with a smile. When the Salvation Army team arrives (or when you arrive at the center), they will inspect the mattress to make sure it meets their standards. If everything looks good, they’ll accept it. Donating a mattress is completely free, and you may receive a donation receipt as a record of your gift.

Donating your mattress to the Salvation Army helps it go to someone in need instead of going to waste. Just remember to always check with your local branch first, because policies can vary by location.

What If the Salvation Army Won’t Take Your Mattress?

Sometimes, even a decent mattress might be turned away (or maybe there’s no Salvation Army nearby). Don’t worry – you still have options to get rid of your old bed responsibly:

Try other charities. Look for local shelters, furniture banks, or nonprofit groups that accept mattresses. (We keep a helpful list of mattress donation options here to guide you.) Keep in mind, Goodwill does NOT take used mattresses, so that’s usually not an option – see our Goodwill guide for more info on that. But other organizations or churches in your community might welcome a clean mattress, so it’s worth a few calls.
Use a recycling or disposal service. If your mattress is too old or worn out to donate, the best thing to do is recycle or safely dispose of it. Many cities offer mattress recycling programs or bulk trash pickup. The easiest solution is to let a service like Ex-Mattress handle it for you. We can pick up your mattress and make sure it’s disposed of the right way (we try to recycle mattresses whenever possible to reduce waste). This saves you the hassle of hauling it yourself.

Bottom line: If the Salvation Army can’t take your mattress (or you just want a faster solution), you have alternatives. Ex-Mattress can connect you with the right option – whether that’s another charity or an eco-friendly recycler – so your old mattress doesn’t end up in a landfill.

Salvation Army Mattress Donation FAQ

Does the Salvation Army take used mattresses?
Yes – as long as the mattress is gently used and in excellent condition, many Salvation Army locations will accept it. They care more about the condition than the age. Even if it’s a few years old, if it’s clean and damage-free with no bugs, it should be fine to donate.

Will the Salvation Army pick up my mattress?
Yes, in many areas they will come get your mattress for free. The Salvation Army offers free mattress pickup for large donations like beds and mattresses. You can schedule a pickup online at their site or by calling 1-800-SA-TRUCK. (Make sure to check that pickup service is available in your zip code.) On the scheduled day, just have the mattress ready and they’ll do the heavy lifting. You can also start a pickup request online here.

Does the Salvation Army accept box springs?
Often, yes – if your box spring is in good shape (no rips, stains, or breaks) and usually only when donated with the mattress. Many Salvation Army locations prefer to take a mattress and its matching box spring together. (Some locations won’t accept a box spring by itself without the mattress.) It’s always best to ask your local branch to be sure about their box spring policy.

Does the Salvation Army take bedding items like pillows or mattress toppers?
Usually not. Most Salvation Army thrift stores do not accept used bedding such as pillows, mattress toppers, or linens due to cleanliness and hygiene concerns. These items can carry dust, allergens, or even pests, so charities are careful with them. You will need to find another way to reuse or dispose of old pillows and toppers (for example, some animal shelters take clean old blankets or sheets, but rarely pillows). (See Salvation Army’s FAQs.)

What items will the Salvation Army not accept?
The Salvation Army generally says “no thanks” to items that are very dirty, broken, or unsafe. For example, they usually won’t accept:

Furniture with rips, big stains, or pet damage.
Mattresses or upholstery with any sign of bed bugs.
Appliances or electronics that don’t work or have missing parts.
Hazardous materials like chemicals, paint, or propane tanks.
Anything that can’t be resold due to safety or sanitary reasons.

Basically, if an item is not in usable condition, they will turn it away. Their goal is to offer items that help people – not items that would be trash. (See Salvation Army FAQ.)

How do I prepare my mattress for donation?
To get your mattress ready for donation, follow these tips:

Clean it up: Give the mattress a good vacuum to remove dust and crumbs. If you see any small stains, spot-clean them gently with mild soap and let the area dry completely.
Protect it: Slide the mattress into a plastic mattress bag or wrap it in a clean large sheet. This keeps it clean during transport. (It shows the charity that your mattress has been kept tidy and pest-free.)
Check for pests: Inspect the mattress for any signs of bed bugs or insects, just in case. If you find any, you should treat the mattress or avoid donating it.

By cleaning and covering your mattress, you’ll increase the chances that the Salvation Army will accept it. A mattress that looks (and smells) fresh is much more likely to be welcomed as a donation.

Ready to get rid of your old mattress? Whether you donate it or need it hauled away, we’re here to help. If your mattress is in great shape, donating to the Salvation Army is a wonderful free option. And if donation isn’t possible, Ex-Mattress is your go-to service for quick, responsible mattress removal. Visit Ex-Mattress to schedule a pickup or find local disposal options now – we’ll take care of the heavy lifting so you don’t have to!