How To Dispose of an Old Mattress in California

Is your old mattress leaving you with aches and pains? If so, you’re probably already looking for a new one.

But how do you get rid of the old one?

You can’t dump it on the streets. That’s illegal and harmful to the environment.

In this guide, we’ll share with you the best ways to safely and ethically dispose of your old mattress – including how to do it without the hassle of handling it yourself.

What Is the Best Thing To Do With an Old Mattress?

There are many ways to safely get rid of an old mattress, from recycling to upcycling to passing it along to family and friends. We’ll break down the different methods of proper mattress disposal, so you can decide which is right for you. You may be surprised by the options!

Donating Your Mattress in California

Getting rid of your old mattress in the Bay Area isn’t easy. While some states allow for donating old mattresses, California has health and sanitation laws that prevent you from donating to most charitable organizations.

Large Charitable Organizations

The first place most people look to donate their mattresses is large charitable organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Bad news: due to the epidemic spread of bed bugs and public health regulations, California-based charity organizations that used to accept mattresses no longer do.

Indeed, the Salvation Army and Goodwill explicitly state that they don’t accept mattress donations in their California locations.

Local Charities and Shelters

While local charities and shelters exist, they also won’t accept mattresses due to California’s strict regulations. Now what?

Recycling Your Mattress

Every year about 20 million mattresses end up in landfills across the US. Each mattress takes as much as 40 cubic feet of space, significantly contributing to the overall landfill mass. Fortunately, in the Bay Area, there are some recycling options available such as:

Local Recycling Centers

Local recycling centers will accept your used mattress as-is. (Finally, some good news!) However, you’ll need to contact the center before dropping it off to confirm.

Accessible recycling programs like Bye Bye Mattress help recycle your mattress at no cost. They have over 100 collection events held annually and 200 permanent drop-off locations. You’ll have to drop off your old box spring or mattress at a participating site or event.

Earth 911 is another organization available to Bay Area residents. They offer over 100,000 facilities across the US and Canada! Search for facilities closest to your zip code, and filter as needed for pickup or fee charges.

DIY Recycling

In cases where you’re unable to make it to a facility, you may want to recycle the mattress yourself! Break down the entire box spring and mattress yourself, and recycle the parts individually.

This method is ideal for handy people with tools. Some recycling centers don’t access the whole bed; this option allows you to bring the individual parts to the center yourself. Once broken down, head to a local scrap metal dealership to recycle the metal springs.

Upcycling Your Mattress

Your old mattress contains various components like foam, latex, steel, and wooden parts, giving DIYers a chance to get creative.

Here are practical ideas for repurposing your mattress:

• Decorative items: Mattresses have all sorts of screws and springs, allowing you to transform them into smaller items like candles and ornaments. Handmade gifts and decor are always a win.
• Home repair: Use the foam and padding in your mattress to repair that old rug or blanket, or use it to insulate furniture.
• Carpets and rugs: The fibers and foam make excellent padding for your carpet, rug, or dog bedding. They can also be turned into cushions or decorative pillows.
• Gardening: Your old mattress will contain wooden slates, which can be used to construct a unique compost bin for your garden. Or, use the same wooden parts as lawn mulch or compost.

Reselling Your Mattress

If your mattress is still in good condition, you may be to sell it off to earn some quick cash. The easiest way to resell it is via platforms such as Facebook, Craigslist, or OfferUp. These online marketplaces allow you to find nearby locals who may be interested in your mattress.

However, it’s essential to follow the laws and regulations of your state before selling your mattress. For example, it’s illegal to resell your used mattress with visible stains in California, so we recommend thoroughly sanitizing the bed before the sale.

When listing your mattress online, include an honest and accurate description of its current condition while highlighting its selling points. Include the following information such as:

• The brand and model
• Mattress type (all-form, innerspring, or hybrid)
• Mattress size
• The age of the mattress
• Fabrics used in the cover
• The use of the mattress (primary bed vs. guest bed)
• Any issues you’ve had

Disposing of Your Mattress

We all live busy lives, and taking time on weekends to haul a bed can be a hassle. You may have to rent a truck or van, research nearby recycling centers, or ask a friend for help. What a pain!

Enter a removal service company like Nixxit Junk Removal.

When you need to get rid of an old mattress quickly, why not choose a mattress disposal expert to help? Our pros handle the heavy lifting, transportation, and safe disposal of your mattress and bed sets. And we’re committed to mattress recycling solutions that keep the planet in mind. It’s hassle-free, ethically sound, and we’ll help you do it without breaking the bank.

Time to Dispose of an Old Mattress? We Can Help!

If you’re tired of your old mattress taking up space, book online with Nixxit Junk Removal today. We’re Bay Areas’ #1 mattress removal and disposal service. Just schedule a pickup (in-home or curbside), and our pros will arrive on time – and finish the job in no time. We proudly recycle 80% of what we remove, offering a safe, sustainable option for mattress disposal.