October 30, 2023

How to Dispose of a Mattress

Old mattress in home.

Moving can be stressful, and knowing where to throw away a mattress can be one of the most confusing parts of the process.

In this guide, we’ll provide tips and strategies on how to dispose of an old mattress in Minnesota. 

But first, why is proper disposal so important?

Well, there are many reasons why you can’t just leave a mattress on the curb or in a landfill. Let’s review a few:

  • Mattresses are bulky and take up a lot of space in landfills. 
  • Additionally, mattresses can contain materials that are harmful to the environment and difficult to dispose of properly, such as flame retardants and other chemicals. 
  • Finally, properly disposing of your mattress can benefit your community by allowing it to be recycled or repurposed. Many mattresses, for example, can be broken down and used in various ways, such as for insulation or as a fuel source. 

Properly disposing of your mattress can help reduce the negative impact on the environment and ensure that any potentially harmful materials are handled safely and responsibly. 

How to Dispose of an Old Mattress

Let’s get back to the question on the floor. Before deciding what to do with your mattress, check with your local waste disposal service to see what options are available. 

Mattress Pick-up Options

If you live in Minneapolis, you can place larger items like mattresses and box springs outside your home for pickup on recycling week. Remember that this can only be done during this particular week, and you must put your item on the curb by 6 a.m., along with a note for pick-up. 

You can check the City Of Minneapolis website for more information.

Additionally, organizations like Second-Chance Recycling offer Twin Cities residents a convenient pick-up option for a small fee. This organization works to recycle and repurpose old mattresses and provide jobs for people in the community. So, it’s a win-win!

You can also contact organizations like Bedr World Mattress, which makes it easy to schedule a pick-up and pay for professional mattress recycling services right from your smartphone for a fee. 

Mattress Donation Options

In addition to Second-Chance Recycling, other non-profit organizations like Bridging accept mattresses and box springs in good condition to provide furnished goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.

St. Vincent de Paul is another non-profit that focuses on helping the Twin Cities community. This organization accepts clean, odor-free, stain-free mattresses under 10 years old and free from rips, tears, or stains.

Other Drop-Off Facilities (Hennepin & Ramsey Counties)

Minneapolis residents can drop off their old mattresses for a $25 fee at the Bloomington or Brooklyn Park facility. It is important to check each facility’s requirements and policies before stopping by to ensure that your mattress will be accepted.

In Ramsey County, you can contact local disposal companies to learn if they’ll accept your mattress for a small fee. 

Other Ways to Dispose of a Mattress

Donating your old mattress for a good cause benefits the community and ensures your bed goes to good use. However, there are other ways to dispose of your mattress.

Ask a local mattress dealer: If you’re planning to purchase a new mattress, hence why you’re trying to get rid of the old one, ask the dealer if they offer a recycling program. 

Sell it online: If you’ve already had success with online selling platforms like eBay, Craig’s List, or Facebook Marketplace, consider selling your old mattress, pending it’s still in good condition. 

Check social network: You can also ask around your social community (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, apartment community, or neighborhood you’re leaving). Someone you know may be looking for a mattress for a minimal fee (or for free).

Don’t forget about the meta box frame!

If you’re getting rid of your old metal box frame, remember that metal frames can be recycled as scrap metal. However, if they’re in good condition, you can also donate them. Be sure to check with the organizations mentioned earlier if they’ll take your box frame, too.

How Not to Dispose of Your Old Mattress

We understand that moving is a busy and often stressful time. But never resort to any of the following practices when it comes to disposing of your old mattress:

  • Don’t abandon your old mattress in a public place or on the side of the road. 
  • Don’t burn your old mattress as it can release harmful chemicals into the air. 
  • Don’t throw your old mattress in a dumpster or trash. Your local waster management company may not accept it and could end up in a landfill. 
  • Don’t donate a mattress that is in poor condition. For instance, if it has stains, tears, or bed bugs, it may cause harm to someone in need.

Remember, by checking with your local waste disposal service or donating to a charity, you can quickly learn how to dispose of an old mattress the safe and responsible way! 

Need Help Moving a Mattress to Your New Home?

Though we can’t dispose of an old mattress, we certainly can help you relocate one from your old residence to your new home.

At Good Stuff Moving, we offer 5 convenient ways to move, including furniture-only services to fit your budget and needs. To get started, request a free, online quote!

For other tips on moving, be sure to stay connected to our blog or contact us for moving questions.

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