Old beds pile up fast—about 50,000 mattresses are tossed every day in the U.S. That’s roughly 18–20 million a year, and most still go to landfill even though 75 percent of their parts can be reused.mattressrecyclingcouncil.orgsleepdoctor.comcen.acs.org
Below you’ll see three no-stress ways to ditch a mattress, quick answers to common questions, and a 50-state rule snapshot. Need it gone today? Book a $50 pickup with Ex-Mattress in under a minute (link in the CTA).
What “mattress disposal” means
Think of disposal as the safe, legal last step for any bed you no longer want. Rules differ by city and state, but the goal is always the same: keep bulky foam and steel out of overflowing landfills.theguardian.com
Three simple ways to ditch a bed
1. Book a pickup — fastest
- Pros: zero lifting, curbside or indoor, same-day in many Texas cities.
- Cost: Ex-Mattress flat $50; rivals often start at $85.mattressdisposalplus.com
- What we do: load, reuse what we can, recycle the rest.
2. Drop it at a recycler — eco-first
- Four states (CA, CT, RI, MA) run statewide “Bye-Bye Mattress” programs with dozens of free drop sites.www2.calrecycle.ca.govportal.ct.govmattressrecyclingcouncil.orghousedigest.com
- Other states allow private facilities; check your city site.
3. Donate if it’s clean
- Many shelters won’t accept used beds, but you can still try friends, local nonprofits, or church drives.
- Salvation Army no longer takes mattresses in most areas. Call first.salvationarmyusa.org
State rules at-a-glance (2025)
| State group | Key rule |
|---|---|
| Mandatory recycle | CA, CT, RI, MA—$11–16 fee paid at purchase funds free drop-off.www2.calrecycle.ca.govportal.ct.govmattressrecyclingcouncil.orghousedigest.com |
| Landfill bans | MA bans landfilling outright.housedigest.com |
| On-demand bulk pickup | Austin just shifted to year-round scheduling—you set a date online.austintexas.gov |
| Most other states | No statewide law. Use city bulk pickup or paid haulers. |
Tip: If your state isn’t listed, start with city “bulk pickup” pages or schedule a paid haul-away.
People also ask
How can I throw away a mattress for free?
Try city bulk days or a recycler in the four program states.portal.ct.gov
Is it illegal to burn a mattress?
Yes in almost every city—fines and fire-code penalties apply.
How long does landfill breakdown take?
Foam layers can sit for decades; springs rust but don’t disappear.productstewardship.us
Need it gone today?
Skip the wait—book your $50 pickup (indoor or curbside) with Ex-Mattress. We lift, load, and recycle so you don’t have to. Live outside Texas? Use our driver directory to find a vetted hauler near you.
